Hearty & Versatile 15 Best Boiled Cabbage Recipes Global Flavors for Every Table

Why Boiled Cabbage Recipes?

Cabbage, a nutrient-packed vegetable, shines in boiled cabbage recipes, offering a tender texture and mild flavor that absorbs global seasonings beautifully. Low in calories and high in fiber, it’s a healthy choice for diverse dishes, from simple sides to complex casseroles. At Mangoes and Palm Trees, we’ve reimagined cabbage with international flair, creating healthy boiled cabbage meals inspired by Scandinavian, Irish, and African cuisines. Discover more vegetable inspiration at our Recipes Collection.

The Global Appeal of Boiled Cabbage Recipes

Cultivated worldwide, cabbage is a staple in cuisines from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia, valued for its affordability and versatility. Boiling softens its texture, making it ideal for soups, rolls, or stuffed dishes. Our boiled cabbage recipes infuse this humble vegetable with a unique global perspective, ensuring authentic and innovative dishes for modern palates (Bon Appétit).

Signature Boiled Cabbage Recipe: Scandinavian-Inspired

Kick off your global cabbage journey with our Scandinavian-Inspired Boiled Cabbage, a Mangoes and Palm Trees exclusive that combines tender cabbage wedges with a dill-infused broth, perfect as a flavorful side.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Cut 1 head green cabbage into 6 wedges, keeping the core intact.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a boil with 1 tsp dill and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds.
3. Add cabbage wedges, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
4. Remove cabbage, stir 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the broth, and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Drizzle broth over cabbage, garnish with 1 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve as a Scandinavian-inspired side (40 Aprons).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~100 kcal, 2g protein, 5g fat, 12g carbs, 4g fiber, 500mg sodium.

14 More Global Boiled Cabbage Inspirations

Beyond our signature side, here are 14 additional boiled cabbage recipes, each infused with a global twist, drawing from cuisines worldwide to inspire your culinary creativity.

1. Southern U.S. Cabbage with Smoked Paprika

A smoky, bacon-infused cabbage dish, perfect as a hearty side.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes, then remove and crumble.
2. In the bacon grease, sauté 1 diced onion for 3 minutes.
3. Add 1 head chopped cabbage, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in crumbled bacon, garnish with 1 tbsp chopped thyme, and serve (Spicy Southern Kitchen).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~150 kcal, 5g protein, 8g fat, 15g carbs, 4g fiber, 600mg sodium.

2. South African Creamed Cabbage

Rich, creamy cabbage with a nutmeg twist.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Chop 1 head green cabbage and boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes until soft, then drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add 1 cup milk, stirring until thickened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
5. Add cabbage, simmer for 5 minutes, and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped chives (Foodle Club).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~120 kcal, 3g protein, 6g fat, 14g carbs, 4g fiber, 450mg sodium.

3. Eastern European Creamy Garlic Pork with Cabbage

Hearty pork and cabbage in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Cut 1 lb pork loin into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook pork with 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp salt for 5 minutes until browned. Remove pork.
3. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute, add 2 cups chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Add 1 head shredded cabbage, simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and pork, cooking for 3 minutes. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley (Slimming Eats).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 28g protein, 20g fat, 15g carbs, 4g fiber, 700mg sodium.

4. Southeast Asian Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Tangy cabbage with a tamarind-vinegar sauce.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Chop 1 head cabbage and boil in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes, remove, and crumble.
3. In 2 tbsp bacon fat, sauté 1 diced onion for 3 minutes.
4. Mix in 1 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.
5. Toss cabbage and bacon in sauce, simmer for 5 minutes, and garnish with 1 tbsp cilantro (Simply LaKita).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~160 kcal, 5g protein, 8g fat, 18g carbs, 4g fiber, 500mg sodium.

5. Eastern European Stuffed Whole Cabbage

A dramatic stuffed cabbage with a dill-tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Core 1 large cabbage head, reserving 2 cups chopped leaves.
2. Boil whole cabbage in salted water for 10 minutes, cool, and peel outer leaves.
3. In a skillet, sauté 1 diced onion in 1 tbsp oil for 3 minutes.
4. Mix 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, 1 tsp dill, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper with onion.
5. Stuff cabbage shell with filling, wrap in cheesecloth, place in a Dutch oven with chopped cabbage and 2 cups tomato sauce, boil, then simmer for 1 hour. Slice into wedges, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan (Taste of Home).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 20g protein, 15g fat, 30g carbs, 5g fiber, 800mg sodium.

6. Eastern European Cabbage Rolls

Savory rolls with a caraway-tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Boil 1 head cabbage for 8-10 minutes, cool, and peel 12 leaves.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 diced onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds.
3. Place 2 tbsp filling in each leaf, roll tightly, and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour 2 cups tomato sauce over rolls, cover, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours.
5. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley (Girl Heart Food).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~300 kcal, 18g protein, 12g fat, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 700mg sodium.

7. Jewish Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Tangy soup with a caraway-lemon finish.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, sauté 1 diced onion in 1 tbsp oil for 3 minutes.
2. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Stir in 1 head chopped cabbage, 2 sliced carrots, 1 can tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup vinegar.
4. Boil, then simmer for 25 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley (Simply Recipes).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~120 kcal, 3g protein, 2g fat, 25g carbs, 5g fiber, 600mg sodium.

8. American One-Pot Cabbage Casserole

Hearty casserole with a Cajun kick.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 1 tbsp Creole seasoning for 5 minutes until browned. Drain fat.
2. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 can tomatoes, 1 cup rice, 2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1 head chopped cabbage.
3. Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
4. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar, cover until melted, about 3 minutes (Cheeky Kitchen).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 20g protein, 18g fat, 40g carbs, 5g fiber, 800mg sodium.

9. Southern U.S. Smothered Cabbage with Ham

Comforting cabbage with a smoky ham flavor.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 diced onion for 3 minutes.
2. Add 1/2 lb diced ham and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 head chopped cabbage, 2 diced potatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
4. Boil, then simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes. Remove lid, cook for 10 minutes until tender, and stir in 1 tbsp vinegar.
5. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley (EatingWell).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~200 kcal, 12g protein, 8g fat, 22g carbs, 4g fiber, 700mg sodium.

10. Scottish Rumbledethumps Pie

Comforting potato and cabbage pie with a mustard note.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Peel and boil 2 lbs potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, then mash with 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
2. Boil 1/2 head chopped cabbage for 5 minutes, drain, and mix with mashed potatoes.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with 1 cup shredded cheddar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
4. Garnish with 1 tbsp chives (Tinned Tomatoes).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~250 kcal, 8g protein, 12g fat, 30g carbs, 4g fiber, 500mg sodium.

11. Eastern European Beef and Cabbage Stew

Rich stew with a caraway-tomato base.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, brown 1 lb beef stew meat in 1 tbsp oil for 5 minutes.
2. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped celery ribs, and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 head chopped cabbage, 2 diced potatoes, 1 cup tomato sauce, 4 cups beef broth, and 1 tsp salt.
4. Boil, then simmer for 2.5 hours until meat is tender.
5. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley (Allrecipes).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~300 kcal, 20g protein, 10g fat, 30g carbs, 5g fiber, 800mg sodium.

12. Asian Low-Carb Cabbage Dumplings

Healthy dumplings with a sesame-soy dip.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Boil 1 head cabbage for 8-10 minutes, cool, and peel 12 large leaves.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground pork, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Place 2 tbsp filling in each leaf, roll tightly, and steam for 15 minutes until cooked.
4. Serve with a soy-sesame dipping sauce and garnish with 1 tbsp scallions (Delish).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~250 kcal, 20g protein, 15g fat, 10g carbs (net), 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.

13. Irish Colcannon Soup

Creamy potato-cabbage soup with a chive accent.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. In a large pot, cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes, remove, and crumble.
2. In the bacon fat, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 2 sliced leeks for 3 minutes.
3. Add 1/2 head chopped cabbage, 2 diced potatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
4. Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and crumbled bacon, cook for 5 minutes, and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped chives (Closet Cooking).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~220 kcal, 5g protein, 12g fat, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 600mg sodium.

14. Eastern European Cabbage Pigs in Blankets

Juicy cabbage rolls with a fennel-tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Boil 1 head cabbage for 8-10 minutes, cool, and peel 12 large leaves.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, 1 diced onion, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
3. Place 2 tbsp filling in each leaf, roll tightly, and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour 1 cup tomato sauce over rolls, cover, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.
5. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley (Go Cook Yummy).

Nutrition (Per Serving): ~320 kcal, 20g protein, 15g fat, 25g carbs, 4g fiber, 700mg sodium.

Cooking Tips for Boiled Cabbage Recipes

Selecting Cabbage

Choose firm, heavy cabbage heads with crisp leaves for the best texture in boiled cabbage recipes. Green or red varieties work well, as noted by Serious Eats.

Enhancing Flavor

Boil in broth or season with global spices like caraway, fennel, or tamarind to elevate flavor. Add butter, cream, or bacon for richness in comfort dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Boil briefly (5-10 minutes) to retain texture, and use the cooking liquid for sauces or soups to maximize flavor and nutrients.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Boiled Cabbage Recipes

Presentation Ideas

Serve boiled cabbage recipes in rustic bowls with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a global aesthetic. Use colorful platters for rolls or dumplings to evoke worldwide cuisines.

Beverage Pairings

Pair with a Scandinavian aquavit, Irish stout, or Southeast Asian iced tea to complement the diverse flavors, as featured in our About Us culinary stories.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp salad or crusty bread for balance, and explore more at our Recipes Collection.

Video Tutorial: Boiled Cabbage Recipes

Master boiled cabbage recipes with this engaging video, inspired by our global culinary travels from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia.

Conclusion: Mastering Boiled Cabbage Recipes

These 15 best boiled cabbage recipes from Mangoes and Palm Trees transform cabbage into a global culinary celebration, from Scandinavian-Inspired Boiled Cabbage to Eastern European Cabbage Pigs in Blankets. Drawing on our travels across 50+ countries and Natalia’s Siberian heritage, these global boiled cabbage dishes offer hearty, healthy options for sides, mains, or soups. Experiment with cabbage varieties and spices, share your creations by emailing team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com, and explore more at our Recipes Collection.

Explore More Global Culinary Adventures

Dive into more global flavors inspired by our travels across 50+ countries, perfect for home cooks and food enthusiasts like you.

Craving more inspiration? Check our Recipes Page or About Us for our full culinary story.

About Oliver & Natalia Mayerhoffer

Meet the family behind these boiled cabbage recipes—a collection born from Victor’s love for hearty dishes and Natalia’s Siberian-inspired flavors.

Oliver Mayerhoffer

🍴 Hospitality Expert • 50+ Countries

Natalia Mayerhoffer

🌍 Cultural Storyteller • Global Foodie

Oliver & Natalia Mayerhoffer blend British, Austrian, and Siberian roots across 50+ countries, crafting kid-tested recipes with their son Victor (born November 24, 2016, Koh Samui). From Thailand (2016–2018) to the UK (2018–2023) and now Vietnam, their 15+ years of hospitality expertise shine in dishes like these boiled cabbage recipes. Read our full story.

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