Steaming Cabbage: How Long Does It Take?

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It can be steamed on the stove or in the microwave, and it only takes a few minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of cabbage and the size of the pieces. For example, shredded cabbage will take less time to cook than wedges or halves. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour, colour, and nutrients of the cabbage. It's a great way to prepare cabbage as a side dish, and it can be served with a variety of main courses.

How to steam cabbage on the stove

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this vegetable, and it's a great option if you want to retain its flavour, colour, and nutrients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam cabbage on the stove:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Start by choosing fresh, crisp cabbage with crisp leaves that are free from any marks or signs of browning. Remove any damaged or discoloured outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into halves or quarters by holding it still and cutting through the stem end with a sharp knife. If you see any insects or worms, soak the cabbage in heavily salted water for 20 minutes, then cut away the damaged parts. Remove the core by cutting wedge-shaped sections from the bottom of each half or quarter.

Step 2: Shred or Slice the Cabbage

At this point, you can shred the cabbage by slicing each quarter into thin pieces and separating the layers by hand. Alternatively, you can simply slice the cabbage thinly or cut it into wedges.

Step 3: Wash the Cabbage

Place the cabbage in a colander and rinse it under cool, running water. Let it drain over clean paper towels for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Set Up the Stovetop

Fill a large pot or stockpot with water and place it on the stove. The pot should be about one-quarter full of water. Fit a steamer basket or metal colander into the pot, ensuring that the bottom of the basket doesn't touch the water. If you don't have a steamer basket, a metal or wire mesh colander will work.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage to the Steamer

Place the prepared cabbage in the steamer basket, spreading it out in an even layer. If steaming quarters or halves, arrange them so they are touching and facing stem-side down. If steaming shredded cabbage, ensure it is evenly distributed in the basket.

Step 6: Season and Cook

Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, lower the heat to medium and steam the cabbage until it is tender. The cooking time will depend on the type of cabbage and how finely it was cut. For shredded cabbage, cook for 5 to 8 minutes. For Napa, bok choy, and savoy cabbage, steam for 3 to 5 minutes. For quarters, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, and for halves, add an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this will release the steam.

Step 7: Serve

Once the cabbage is tender, remove the steamer basket from the pot and let it drain on clean paper towels for a few minutes. You can then serve the cabbage as-is or sprinkle it with additional salt and pepper, drizzle with melted butter or olive oil, or toss it with apple cider vinegar for a stronger flavour. Enjoy!

How to steam cabbage in the microwave

Steaming cabbage in the microwave is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed cabbage in your microwave.

Preparation:

First, remove the tough outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Rinse the head of cabbage under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can then cut the cabbage into wedges, or remove the core and shred it by hand or with a food processor.

Steaming:

Place the prepared cabbage into a microwave-safe dish or bowl. You can use a ceramic plate or a casserole dish. Add a small amount of water—just enough to cover the surface of the plate or about 1/4 inch of water in a dish. Cover the cabbage with another plate or with microwave-safe plastic wrap, poking a hole in the wrap to vent it. Ensure the plastic wrap does not touch the cabbage to prevent any melting.

Microwave the cabbage on high for 6 to 14 minutes, depending on your desired texture. For crispy cabbage, steam for 3 to 7 minutes. For tender cabbage, steam for 8 to 14 minutes. If using a microwave without a turntable, rotate the dish a quarter turn halfway through cooking.

Once cooked, drain the water and add some butter and salt to taste. You can also season with pepper, herbs, or spices of your choice. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• To preserve the colour of red cabbage, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice or red wine vinegar before microwaving.
• To prevent a strong smell of cooked cabbage, cook the cabbage uncovered for the first 2 minutes to allow the hydrogen sulfite gas to dissipate.
• For extra flavour, season the cabbage with soy sauce, apple slices, raisins, cloves, or a bit of sugar before microwaving.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Enjoy your tasty and nutritious steamed cabbage!

How to prepare cabbage for steaming

Preparing cabbage for steaming is a simple process. First, select a fresh cabbage, preferably green or red, and remove the outer leaves as they tend to be tough and may contain residual pesticides. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Next, cut the cabbage into halves, discarding any damaged outer leaves. You can then cut each half into 2-inch square chunks or thin slices, depending on your preference. If you want wedges, cut the cabbage into wedges after halving it.

Once the cabbage is cut, you can proceed to steam it. Place the chunks or slices in a steamer basket or a metal colander set over a pot of boiling water. If you don't have a steamer or colander, you can use a large pot with a lid and a metal colander. The water level should be just below the basket or colander. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the pan if needed, but it's not always necessary.

Cover the pot and steam the cabbage until it's tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of cabbage. For example, thinly sliced cabbage will take around 5 to 8 minutes, while wedges will take approximately 10 minutes. Remember to leave some space for steam to escape if using a colander; tilting the lid can help with this.

Once the cabbage is steamed to your desired tenderness, remove it from the heat and serve it with your choice of seasonings or sauces. You can also add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Enjoy your healthy and delicious steamed cabbage!

How long to steam different types of cabbage

Steaming is a great way to cook cabbage, as it retains its flavour and nutrients. It also doesn't produce the unpleasant smell associated with boiled cabbage. While all types of cabbage can be steamed, white cabbage, napa cabbage, and pak choi are the most suited to this cooking technique. More robust cabbages, such as red and savoy, can be steamed but are better suited to braising or sautéing.

The cooking time for steaming cabbage depends on how you cut it. If you thinly slice the cabbage, it will take approximately 4-5 minutes. If you cut it into wedges, the cooking time will be approximately 10 minutes. Some varieties, like napa, bok choy, and savoy cabbage, may only take 3 to 5 minutes.

• For white cabbage, steaming is a great option. You can either thinly slice it or cut it into wedges.
• Napa cabbage is also well-suited for steaming and can be prepared in the same way as white cabbage.
• Pak choi is another variety that steams well. You can thinly slice it or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
• Red cabbage is a more robust variety, but it can still be steamed. Try thinly slicing it for the best results.
• Savoy cabbage is another robust option that can be steamed, but it may be better suited to braising or sautéing.

Remember to season your steamed cabbage before serving. Enjoy!

Seasoning and serving steamed cabbage

Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that goes with anything. It is a surprisingly delicious, simple, and delicate dish. It is buttery, garlicky, and can be spicy. It is also healthy and full of vitamins C and K, as well as fibre.

You can season steamed cabbage with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes, dried parsley, and minced garlic. For an Asian flavour profile, you can add soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also add different toppings such as grated parmesan or bacon bits.

You can serve steamed cabbage with proteins such as pork, chicken, fish, tofu, or sausage. It also goes well with salads and pasta.

Frequently asked questions