Big flavor, small effort – isn’t that the dream combination when it comes to cooking? And for me, the icing on the cake (or the vinegar in the cabbage?) are easy recipes with red cabbage that I can make quickly but deliver great results on taste. This purple pickled cabbage recipe is quick to make (no canning cabbage involved) and can be enjoyed after 24 hours of pickling. Plus its vibrant colors are perfect for adding flavor and aesthetic appeal to all of your dishes. Pickled red cabbage is also surprisingly good for you. Make pickled cabbage and you’ll get an influx of Vitamin C, B, and A and antioxidants. Pickled cabbage also has high levels of fiber and has been shown to support healthy bones, heart health, and gut health.
Pickled Cabbage Vs Sauerkraut
Though both use a base of cabbage, quick pickled cabbage and sauerkraut have a few key differences. Sauerkraut is made using fermentation and therefore has a higher level of natural probiotics. It’s also usually served warm and has a softer, more tender texture and a slightly sour flavor. A pickled red cabbage recipe uses the pickling process. It is usually served cold and has a crisp texture and a vinegary flavor. Plus, it has a shorter time spent preserving. My red pickles take just 24 hours, whereas sauerkraut might take up to a month.
Pickled Cabbage Ingredients
With these simple ingredients and with under 30 minutes of hands-on time you can the best pickled cabbage.
Red cabbage: aka purple cabbage. You can use green or savoy cabbage if there’s no red at the grocery store. But for color and nutritional benefit, I’d always go with red. Pickling salt: Pickling salt is best. Alternatively, any iodine-free salt will work – like kosher salt or sea salt, though the quantities might need adjusting. Sugar: I use golden or white, though you can use brown or cane. White vinegar: You can also use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar (this will add even more color to your red cabbage jar). Water: Use fresh filtered or drinking water. Spices: I like peppercorns (I love pink but you can use black peppercorns), allspice, mustard seeds, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. But you can use any spices you like (garlic, bay leaves, etc).
You’ll also need one large glass jar (of 1 quart).
How to Cut Red Cabbage for Pickling
To start your quick pickled cabbage, you’ll want to prep your vegetable – it needs to be thinly sliced. Remove the outer leaves and core. Slice the cabbage into four and remove the center. Then shred using a mandolin or a sharp knife. You can see the pictures below for a visual guide on cutting cabbage.
How to Pickle Red Cabbage
Layer the cabbage and pickling salt in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Cover them and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The salt allows the cabbage to release water which will keep the cabbage crispy. Once done salting, rinse the cabbage well, then drain thoroughly. You can lay it over a kitchen towel (careful, it will stain pink) or paper towels for some time to absorb all the moisture. As your cabbage is drying, the pickling process begins by sterilizing your jar and utensils. Wash them well with soapy water, then sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes. You can also let them dry in the oven (with no rubber/plastic or other non-heat-proof elements) for about 10-12 minutes at 325ºF/160ºC or until dry. In a large, stainless-steel saucepan, add the vinegar, sugar, water, and spices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and occasionally stir to help dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat and let it boil gently for 5 minutes. This will allow the spices to infuse the liquid. Sieve the liquid to remove the spices. Pack the shredded cabbage tightly in your mason jar – but leave room for the pickling liquid. Pour over the hot liquid. Make sure to leave ½ inch (1cm) headspace. Tap the jar to remove any air bubbles. Add a bit more liquid if needed – the cabbage needs to be covered. Wipe the rim then close the jar tightly. Leave on the countertop for 2-6 hours to cool down to room temperature. Shake occasionally. After that, place it in the fridge. Let it pickle for 24 hours before enjoying it.
How Long Does Pickled Red Cabbage Last
Once pickled, this pickled cabbage recipe will last in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
What to Do with Pickled Red Cabbage
You can enjoy this easy pickled cabbage as a side dish or as a condiment for your favorite dishes. This cabbage adds so much flavor.
Add a zing of flavor to sandwiches. Pickled red cabbage goes great with tuna salad, easy falafel wraps, or a juicy Reuben. Add or swap out the raw onions in salads for pickled cabbage, like in my chopped veggie salad or Shirazi, a Persian salad. Top burgers with some quick pickled cabbage for sweetness and crunch. –It’s great with one of my vegan burgers – like this Black Bean Burger, or even on a Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Or, include it in your topping rotation for your weekly taco night. This pickled cabbage recipe goes great with Breakfast Tacos or Mushroom Tacos.
More Easy Pickles
Quick Pickled Red Onions Pickled Green Tomatoes Quick Pickled Asparagus Pickled Daikon Radish Quick Pickled Beets
If you try this how to pickle 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!
