If you’re hunting for a welcoming, fuss-free way to transform humble cabbage into a comfort food superstar, let me introduce you to Instant Pot Cabbage. This effortless side dish lets the naturally sweet, tender leaves shine, enriched by buttery broth and savory seasonings, all in a speedy, hands-off process. Whether you’re looking to add wholesome veggies to weeknight meals or just craving something warm and satisfying, Instant Pot Cabbage delivers incredible results with almost zero effort. Trust me, you’ll wonder how such a simple dish can taste so good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s real magic in the short list of ingredients that make Instant Pot Cabbage special. Each item plays its part, giving you fork-tender cabbage infused with savory notes and just the right balance of seasoning and richness. Don’t skip or skimp—these are all chosen with purpose!
- Green cabbage: The star! Choose a medium head for the perfect amount of sweetness and soft texture after pressure cooking.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides savory depth and keeps things vegetarian-friendly if needed; opt for low sodium if preferred.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the cabbage soak up the flavors; use plant-based butter to make it vegan.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the cabbage’s natural taste without overpowering the delicate flavor.
- Black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and nice contrast to the buttery cabbage.
- Garlic powder: Infuses mellow, aromatic depth and blends seamlessly with the other seasonings.
- Onion powder: Offers savory undertones, rounding out the flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Instant Pot Cabbage
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Start by removing any tough or wilted outer leaves from your head of green cabbage. Slice the cabbage in half from top to bottom, then cut out the core from each half. Next, slice each half into large wedges—aim for about 6 to 8 so each piece holds together once cooked. This step keeps the cabbage tender yet structured rather than mushy.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Pot
Arrange the cabbage wedges snugly in the Instant Pot. They might seem crowded at first, but once cooked, they’ll collapse into perfect tender layers. Pour in your choice of broth for moisture and savoriness, then nestle pats of unsalted butter over the top. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, making sure each wedge gets a touch of seasoning magic. These ingredients work together to infuse the cabbage all the way through during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Cabbage
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook function on high for just 4 minutes—yes, that’s really all it takes! While the timer does its work, resist any urge to peek. The brief cook time means you’ll end up with cabbage that’s perfectly soft but still holds its shape without turning soggy.
Step 4: Quick Release and Finish
When the time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully moving the steam valve to venting. Once it’s safe to open, remove the lid and soak in that savory aroma! Gently lift the cabbage wedges out with tongs, as they’ll be tender but still beautifully intact. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the buttery broth from the pot over each serving—this is where so much of the flavor lives.
How to Serve Instant Pot Cabbage
Garnishes
For a special finishing touch, brighten each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill. If you crave an extra savory kick, crumbled cooked bacon is absolutely heavenly. Even a dash of red pepper flakes or a hint of lemon zest can add lovely layers to the mild sweetness of the cabbage.
Side Dishes
This simple Instant Pot Cabbage is so versatile—it loves to cozy up next to roasted pork, grilled sausages, or a simple baked chicken. For a wholesome vegetarian dinner, try it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, grain bowls, or lentil loaf. No matter what you pair it with, there’s an easy elegance to this dish that ties the whole meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Instant Pot Cabbage the star of the table, try stacking the wedges on a platter, layered with a drizzle of the buttery broth and garnished with herbs for a family-style presentation. Or, nestle the cabbage in deep bowls with the savory juices for a rustic, comforting vibe that makes folks reach for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Cabbage keeps beautifully. Let the cabbage cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container along with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. Refrigerate for up to four days—just enough time for another round of cozy meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze Instant Pot Cabbage if you’d like to stash some away for another busy week. Place cooled cabbage wedges and broth in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. Frozen cabbage can last for up to two months, preserving both its flavor and soft texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat cabbage gently over medium heat in a saucepan with a splash of the reserved broth until warmed through. Microwaving also works—just cover to capture steam and keep the cabbage as juicy and delicious as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely swap in red cabbage! The flavor will be similar, though red cabbage may become a bit softer and will impart a beautiful purple hue to the final dish. Keep an eye on the cook time, as it might finish just a bit quicker.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try stirring in a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic right after cooking for a pop of tang. Crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, or a pinch of caraway seeds also add amazing layers of flavor if you want to mix things up!
Is Instant Pot Cabbage suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The recipe reheats wonderfully and holds up well stored in the fridge, making it a great choice for prepping ahead. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (if you use veggie broth), so it suits a wide variety of diets.
Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
If you have a larger Instant Pot, you can increase the cabbage, seasonings, and butter, but you don’t need to double the broth—just make sure there’s at least 1 cup to allow the pot to come to pressure. Avoid filling past the maximum fill line.
How do I prevent soggy cabbage?
The key is using large wedges rather than shredding, and sticking to the short pressure cook time. Four minutes is just enough to make the cabbage tender while keeping its shape, so don’t be tempted to add extra time.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy, wholesome, and flavorful sides, make this Instant Pot Cabbage part of your rotation. It’s warm, cozy, and so much more than the sum of its parts—perfect for both weeknight simplicity and holiday tables alike. Give it a try and let the goodness speak for itself!
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Instant Pot Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Cabbage recipe is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Tender cabbage wedges cooked in a flavorful broth with butter and spices, ready in just minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage, then core and cut it into large wedges.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Place the cabbage wedges in the Instant Pot. Add broth, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Perform a quick release, transfer cabbage to a serving dish, drizzle with cooking liquid and melted butter. Serve warm.
Notes
Notes:
- You can add cooked bacon or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus time to come to pressure)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked cabbage
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
