Microwaving Cabbage: A Quick, Steamer-Free Cooking Method

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and microwaving. While boiling is a common method, it can leach away valuable nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Microwaving cabbage is a convenient, quick, and easy alternative that helps retain its vibrant colour, nutrients, and flavour. In this guide, we will explore how to cook cabbage in the microwave without a steamer, highlighting the simple steps and tips for a tasty outcome.

Preparing the cabbage

Start by removing any outer leaves that may appear damaged or wilted. Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the cabbage into quarters, and remove the tough inner core. You can shred the cabbage by hand or use a food processor.

It is always recommended that you wash the cabbage thoroughly before cooking. Shredding, slicing or dicing the cabbage first makes it easier to ensure all hidden dirt is removed.

Place the sliced cabbage in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. You can add a small amount of water, stock, butter or olive oil to the bowl. If you are using a bowl without a lid, cover it tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Choosing a microwave-safe dish

Selecting the Appropriate Microwave-Safe Container:

Firstly, always ensure that the container is labelled as microwave-safe. This label guarantees that the material can withstand the heat generated by the microwave without melting or releasing harmful chemicals. Using a non-microwave-safe container can be dangerous and lead to unwanted chemicals leaching into your food.

Container Size:

It is important to choose a container that is large enough to hold the cabbage comfortably. The cabbage should not be packed too tightly, as this can affect cooking time and result in uneven cooking. A microwave-safe casserole dish is a good option for cooking cabbage.

Preparing the Container:

Before cooking, add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the container. The water will create steam, which is essential for cooking the cabbage evenly. You can also add seasonings like salt and pepper before or after adding the water, but be careful not to overpower the cabbage's natural flavour.

Covering the Container:

When cooking cabbage in the microwave, it is recommended to cover the container. You can use a microwave-safe lid or cover the dish tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring there is a small vent for steam to escape. This helps trap the steam and cook the cabbage evenly.

Other Considerations:

While not always necessary, some recipes suggest using a steamer basket inside your microwave-safe dish. This can help contain the cabbage and ensure even steaming. Additionally, always follow general microwave safety guidelines, such as avoiding placing metal objects inside the microwave.

By selecting and preparing an appropriate microwave-safe container, you can ensure your cabbage cooks evenly and turns out delicious every time.

Cooking time and power

The cooking time and power settings for microwaving cabbage will depend on the quantity, the size of the pieces, and the desired texture. On average, it takes 5 to 8 minutes to cook cabbage in the microwave.

For tender cabbage, cook it for around 6 to 8 minutes on high power. If you want your cabbage to be crispy, for example, for a salad, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes. If you are using cabbage for soup, you can add a couple of extra minutes.

If you are cooking 1 cup of shredded cabbage, cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. For 2 cups, use 2 teaspoons of liquid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. For 4 cups, use 2 teaspoons and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. For 6 cups, use 1 tablespoon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. For 8 cups, use 1 1/2 tablespoons and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Rotate the dish a quarter turn halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you are using a microwave without a turntable, this is especially important.

Seasoning and serving

Microwaving cabbage is a great way to retain its nutrients and flavour, and it can be seasoned and served in a variety of ways.

You can season your cabbage either before or after cooking it in the microwave. Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavour. Simply sprinkle your desired seasonings over the cabbage before cooking, or you can even melt butter over the cabbage for added richness.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try adding some butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the cooked cabbage and tossing it gently to coat. You can also get creative with your seasonings and try something like buffalo-style hot sauce, chives, and crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese. For a Cacio e Pepe dish, toss in some parmesan or pecorino cheese, ground black pepper, and olive oil.

Additionally, you can add a few spoonfuls of lemon juice or red wine vinegar to red cabbage before microwaving to help preserve its colour and add a tangy flavour. Along with vinegar, you can also add some apple slices, raisins, cloves, and a bit of sugar to create a sweet-and-sour cabbage dish.

When it comes to serving, microwaved cabbage is a versatile side dish that can be served on its own or incorporated into various recipes. It pairs well with beef, pork, ham, and sausage. You can also add it to stir-fries, salads, or a hearty corned beef and cabbage dish.

Health benefits

Cooking cabbage in the microwave is a quick, convenient, and nutritious way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Here are some of the health benefits of cooking cabbage in the microwave:

• Nutrient Retention: Microwaving cabbage helps retain its vibrant colour and nutrients. Cabbage is rich in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. Steaming cabbage in the microwave is a better option than boiling, as boiling can leach away these valuable nutrients.
• Speed and Convenience: Microwaving cabbage is faster than other cooking methods, making it a convenient option when you're short on time. It also speeds up the cooking process, so you can have a nutritious side dish ready in just a few minutes.
• No Added Fats or Calories: Steaming cabbage in the microwave allows you to cook it without adding oils or other high-calorie ingredients. This makes it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake.
• Preservation of Flavour and Texture: Microwaving cabbage helps lock in its natural flavour and texture, keeping it crisp yet tender. This ensures that your cooked cabbage is tasty and has a pleasant mouthfeel.
• Versatility: Microwave-cooked cabbage can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, salads, and as a side dish. You can also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as red or green cabbage, Napa, or savoy, as they have similar cooking times.
• Ease of Preparation: Cooking cabbage in the microwave is simple and doesn't require any specialised equipment beyond a microwave-safe dish and a lid or plastic wrap. This makes it an accessible cooking method for those who may not have a stovetop or steamer.
• Reduced Odour: Compared to boiling, microwaving cabbage produces less odour. This is because boiling can cause cabbage to release sulfurous compounds, making your kitchen smell unpleasant.
• Customisability: You can easily customise the flavour of your microwaved cabbage by adding seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, or a drizzle of butter or olive oil.
• Portion Control: Microwaving is an excellent option for cooking small portions, making it easier to prepare individual servings without wasting food.
• Safety: Microwaving cabbage is a safe cooking method, especially when using non-metal containers. It also aligns with food safety guidelines, as cabbage should be refrigerated within two hours of cutting, peeling, or cooking, according to the CDC.

In summary, cooking cabbage in the microwave is a nutritious, convenient, and flavourful way to prepare this vegetable. It helps retain its natural goodness while offering versatility and speed in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions