Boiled Cabbage: Wedges or Shredded

Boiled cabbage recipes often have a bad reputation—whether it’s the smell, the cooking process, or childhood memories of overcooked, mushy cabbage. But let me change your mind!

Growing up, cabbage was a stable in our kitchen. From simple dishes like boiled cabbage and comforting cabbage soup to hearty stuffed cabbage rolls, I’ve learned how to transform this humble vegetable into a flavorful side dish.

This quick and easy boiled cabbage recipe is perfect for boosting your veggie intake with minimal effort. Plus, I will show you two simple ways to cook cabbage—cut into wedges or shredded—so you can use the texture that best fits your meal.

With the same simple ingredients and a bit different cooking times between the methods, this nutrient-packed side dish is ready in no time. I hope you give it a try and say goodbye to bland, overcooked cabbage.

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Table of Contents

• Watch quick and easy boiled cabbage
• Ingredients
• Boiled cabbage: wedges
• Boiled cabbage: shredded
• Ways to serve it
• More simple cabbage side dishes
• Boiled Cabbage: Wedges or Shredded Recipe

Watch quick and easy boiled cabbage

Ingredients

• Cabbage: I usually use a medium-sized green cabbage, but you can also try other types like Savoy cabbage or red cabbage.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter. Alternatively, you could use a bit of olive oil.
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning. You can also enhance the flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cajun seasoning, or your favorite herbs and spices.
• Water.

See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Boiled cabbage: wedges

Prepare the wedges: First, rinse the head of cabbage thoroughly and, if needed, remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. You can shorten the stem if it’s sticking out, but keep the core intact, as that will help the wedges hold together.

Then cut the cabbage into six wedges – first in half, then each half into three wedges.

Boil the Wedges: Add water and one teaspoon of salt to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the cabbage wedges. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender but still slightly crisp.

Carefully remove the cabbage with a slotted spoon and drain the water from the pan. Place the pan on low heat and allow the moisture to evaporate – the pan should run dry.

Then, place the cabbage back into the pan and add butter and pepper to taste. The heat from the pan will help melt the butter. If you want, you can melt the butter in advance and pour it over the wedges, making sure they are well coated.

Boiled cabbage: shredded

Prepare the shreds: Begin by rinsing the cabbage thoroughly and, if needed, removing any damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, then into quarters, and remove the core. Finally, slice the cabbage into thin, even shreds.

Boil the Shreds: Add water and salt to a large pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded cabbage and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook—the shreds can quickly become too soft and mushy and develop a strong smell.

Drain the cabbage well, then place it back in the pot and top it with butter and pepper to taste. Carefully stir to coat all the shreds with the seasoning. The boiled cabbage is now ready to enjoy!

More simple cabbage side dishes

Cabbage Casserole RecipeRoasted Cabbage SteaksThe Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

If you try this quick and easy boiled cabbage recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!