Steaming Cabbage: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Method

Steamed cabbage is a quick and easy dish to make, packed with vitamins and fibre. It can be served as a side with a variety of main dishes, including grilled meats, crockpot meals, and healthy bowls. It is also versatile, as it can be seasoned in many ways. This article will explore the different ways to cook and season steamed cabbage.

How to steam cabbage in the microwave

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable, and it can be done in the microwave in just a few simple steps.

Step 1:

First, you'll want to prepare your cabbage. Start by removing the outer leaves, as these can be tough and may carry residual pesticides. Then, cut the cabbage into quarters, removing the core. From here, you can either cut the cabbage into wedges or shred it into thin strips.

Step 2:

Place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish. For wedges, you'll want a microwave-safe casserole dish, and for shredded cabbage, a microwave-safe bowl will do. Add a small amount of water to the dish—about 1/4 inch for wedges, and a teaspoon for shredded cabbage.

Step 3:

Cover the dish and place it in the microwave. Cook on high for around 8 minutes. If your microwave doesn't have a turntable, remember to rotate the dish a quarter turn halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 4:

After 8 minutes, the cabbage should be tender and crisp. Drain the water from the dish and add your desired seasonings. Butter and salt are classic choices, but you can also try freshly chopped dill with sour cream, dried herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5:

Stir the cabbage to combine the seasonings, and serve warm.

And that's it! You now have a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with beef, pork, ham, or sausage. Enjoy!

How to steam cabbage on the stove

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable, which goes well with many main dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming cabbage on the stove:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

First, you will need to cut and prepare your cabbage. Start by removing the core and any tough outer leaves. You can then either shred the cabbage or cut it into wedges. Shredded cabbage will give you a softer texture, while wedges will give you a mix of soft and crunchy.

Step 2: Get Your Equipment Ready

You will need a large pot with a lid and a steamer basket or metal colander. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a wide steel bowl, but be aware that some moisture may collect at the bottom. You can also use a large skillet if you don't have a steamer basket or colander.

Step 3: Steam the Cabbage

Add about an inch of water to the pot and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil. If using a steamer basket, place the cabbage in the basket and put the basket in the pot. If using a colander or skillet, add the cabbage directly to the pot/skillet. Cover and steam. For shredded cabbage, steam for about 5 minutes. For wedges, steam for 7-10 minutes. You can also steam quartered cabbage for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Serve

Once the cabbage is tender, remove it from the heat. If you like, you can add some butter, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can keep leftover steamed cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, but it will lose its crispness over time.
• If you want to make steamed cabbage ahead of time, transfer it to a bowl of ice water after steaming to stop the cooking process, then dry it and store it in an airtight container.
• To prevent the cabbage from drying out, cook it gently over medium heat. If the pan gets too hot, add a bit of water (1-2 tablespoons) to the bottom.

How to cut cabbage for steaming

When preparing cabbage for steaming, it is important to cut it into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut cabbage for steaming:

• Start by removing any damaged or browned outer leaves from the head of cabbage. Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Place the head of cabbage on a cutting board. Using a large chef's knife, cut the cabbage into quarters by slicing straight down from the top of the crown to the stem.
• With a knife, carefully cut out the core from each quarter. You can also leave the core intact if you are cutting the cabbage into wedges for roasting or braising.
• Place the quarters, cut-side down, on the cutting board. At this point, you can shred, slice, or chop the cabbage according to your desired thickness for steaming.
• If you prefer cabbage wedges, trim the tough end of the stem to create a fresh cut. Then, cut the cabbage into wedge-shaped slices through the core.
• For thin, even slices, you can use a mandoline. Place the mandoline on a sturdy work surface and adjust the flat blade to your desired thickness. Carefully move the cabbage wedge across the blade, using the guard to protect your fingers.
• Once you have cut the cabbage to your desired size and thickness, it is ready for steaming!

Remember, you can steam the cabbage as-is or separate the leaves and stack them in a steamer for more even cooking. Enjoy your perfectly cut and steamed cabbage!

Seasoning ideas for steamed cabbage

Steaming cabbage is a great way to retain its flavour and colour. The mild taste of cabbage makes it a perfect base for adding a variety of seasonings and flavours. Here are some seasoning ideas to elevate your steamed cabbage:

Butter

Adding butter to steamed cabbage is a classic choice. The butter adds a rich, creamy flavour and a delicate, buttery texture to the dish. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are simple yet effective seasonings that can enhance the flavour of steamed cabbage. Kosher salt or regular salt can be used, along with black pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile seasoning that can be used in steamed cabbage. You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, or jarred minced garlic. Fresh garlic will provide a stronger aroma and flavour. Garlic powder can also be used as an alternative.

Herbs

Dried or fresh herbs can be added to steamed cabbage for extra flavour. Parsley is a common choice, adding a subtle earthy note to the dish. Thyme is another option, providing a slightly minty, savory flavour.

Spices

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, chilli peppers like Scotch bonnet or red chillies can be added. Additionally, spices like cumin, turmeric, curry, coriander, cinnamon, or dill can be used to create unique flavour profiles.

Asian-inspired flavours

For an Asian twist, try drizzling soy sauce and sesame oil over the steamed cabbage. This combination adds a savoury, umami flavour with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame oil.

Cheese and Meat

Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over steamed cabbage adds a salty, savoury dimension to the dish. Alternatively, bacon bits provide a savoury, salty, and crispy texture and flavour.

These seasoning ideas can be mixed and matched to create unique flavour combinations. Experiment with different seasonings and find your favourite way to elevate steamed cabbage!

How to store steamed cabbage

Storing steamed cabbage is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to note that steamed cabbage will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. If you wish to store it for a longer period, freezing is an option, but the texture and taste may change slightly upon thawing.

To store steamed cabbage in the refrigerator, follow these steps:

• Allow the steamed cabbage to cool to room temperature.
• Place the cabbage in an airtight container. If you plan to store the cabbage for a longer period, consider using a container designed for freezing, such as a freezer bag or airtight freezer container.
• Ensure the container is labelled with the date and contents.
• Store the cabbage in the refrigerator.

To freeze steamed cabbage, follow these steps:

• Allow the steamed cabbage to cool to room temperature.
• Place the cabbage in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, ensuring the pieces do not touch.
• Place the tray in the freezer and leave until the cabbage is frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen cabbage to a labelled freezer bag or container.
• Return the cabbage to the freezer, where it will keep for up to three months.

When you are ready to enjoy your stored cabbage, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and reheat gently. You can reheat the cabbage in a microwave, ensuring the container is microwave-safe, or in a small pot with a small amount of water on the stove.

Frequently asked questions