Steaming Cabbage: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Cooking Method

Steamed cabbage is a surprisingly tasty and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with meat, fish, or vegetables. In this article, we will explore different methods for steaming cabbage, including stove-top and microwave techniques, as well as some delicious recipes such as Southern-style steamed cabbage and Jamaican steamed cabbage. We will also discuss the health benefits of this nutritious vegetable.

How to steam cabbage in the microwave

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It is a healthy dish, preserving the nutrients in the cabbage, and it can be served as a side with beef, pork, ham, or sausage.

Preparing the Cabbage

First, remove any discoloured portions of the cabbage, including the outer leaves if they are bruised or blemished. You can steam the cabbage in wedges, or in thin slices or shreds. The larger and thicker the piece of cabbage, the longer it will take to cook. Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise, going through the stem and core. Then, using the tip of the knife, carefully cut a "V" shape—one line on each side of the core on each half—to remove the hard core. If you are slicing the cabbage, cut it into 1/4-inch pieces. If you are cutting it into wedges, cut it so that the widest part of the wedge is no bigger than 1 1/2 inches. Rinse the cut pieces of cabbage under running water, gently shaking to remove excess moisture.

Steaming in a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Place the cabbage in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom. Cover the bowl with a plate, lid, or plastic wrap and microwave on high. If using plastic wrap, leave one corner uncovered to allow the moisture to vent during cooking. Wedges will take roughly nine to 11 minutes to cook, and sliced cabbage will be ready in four to six minutes. Stir or rearrange the cabbage halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.

Using a Microwave Steamer

Microwave steamers are designed to steam vegetables without having excess liquid touch the food during cooking. They have a vented middle tray where the cabbage can sit, and the cooking liquid goes in the bottom receptacle. There is also a vented lid. While not necessary, microwave steamers ensure your food is cooked as evenly as possible. The settings and cooking times are roughly the same as for steaming in a covered bowl.

Serving

Steamed cabbage pairs well with rich food and sauces, such as fried sausages or wine-based sauces. For a more unconventional pairing, dress steamed cabbage with chilli peppers, sesame seed oil, soy sauce, and black Asian vinegar for a tart, light dish.

How to steam cabbage on the stove

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable, and it can be done in just a few simple steps. Here is a guide on how to steam cabbage on the stove, which is a surprisingly delicate and tasty dish.

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage

First, you will need to prepare your cabbage. Start by removing any tough or brown outer leaves and giving it a rinse. Then, cut the cabbage in half through the stem and cut out the root with two diagonal slices. Next, thinly slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Set up your stove

For this method, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket or a large, deep skillet with a lid. Place about an inch of water in the pot or skillet and add the cabbage. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the pan, but this is not always necessary as the water adhering to the rinsed cabbage will help it steam.

Step 3: Steam the cabbage

Turn the heat to medium-high and cover the pot or skillet. When the cabbage starts to steam, lower the heat to medium. Steam the cabbage for about 5 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 2 minutes to let any remaining water evaporate. If there is still too much water, drain the cabbage and return it to the pot or skillet.

Step 4: Add seasoning and serve

Now, add some butter, garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. You can also add some red pepper flakes and dried parsley for garnish. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring, until the butter has melted, and then it is ready to serve.

Tips:

• Keep the heat to a medium setting to prevent the cabbage from drying out, sticking to the pan, or burning.
• If needed, add a bit of water (1-2 tablespoons) to the bottom of the pan to prevent drying.
• You can also use a vegetable steamer if you have one, but it is not necessary.
• This method works well with green cabbage, but you can also use red cabbage for a slightly different flavour.

How to shred cabbage

To shred cabbage, you'll first want to rinse the cabbage under cold running water and pat the outside dry. Pull off and discard any wilted or damaged outer leaves.

Then, place the cabbage on a cutting board with the core end against the board. Using a chef's knife, cut the cabbage in half vertically through the core. Cut each half vertically again through the core, creating four wedges.

Next, position a cabbage wedge with one of the cut sides facing down onto the cutting board. Make an angled cut into the cabbage to remove the core. Repeat with the remaining wedges.

Now you're ready to shred! There are a few different methods you can use:

Using a knife

Slicing along the vertical edge of each wedge will give you longer shreds, while slicing along the horizontal will yield shorter lengths.

Using a mandolin

Use the blade of your desired thickness and carefully run the wedge of cabbage along the mandolin with the cut edge down.

Using a vegetable peeler

Use a vegetable peeler to "peel" the inside and coreless cut edge of the cabbage.

Using a box grater

Cut the prepped cabbage into quarters and cut out the core from each piece. Stand the box grater upright and hold the cabbage quarter against the large holes of the box grater. Grate the cabbage by moving it up and down against the grater to shred.

How to serve steamed cabbage

Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Proteins

Steamed cabbage goes well with various proteins, including:

• Pork: Try serving it with baked pork chops, pork roast, or spiral ham.
• Chicken: It pairs nicely with chicken leg quarters, baked chicken drumsticks, or blackened chicken.
• Beef: Steamed cabbage can be a tasty side for beef dishes.
• Ham: It is a classic combination and a popular choice in many restaurants.
• Sausage: The two make a great duo, and you can find this pairing on many menus.
• Fish: Steamed cabbage can complement fish dishes, such as salmon or trout.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, serve it with BBQ tofu or baked tofu.

As a Main Course

Steamed cabbage doesn't always have to play a supporting role. In Jamaica, for example, steamed cabbage is often served as a main course. You can also bulk it up by adding potatoes or other vegetables like leeks, cauliflower, peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Cultural Variations

Steamed cabbage can be prepared in different cultural styles, such as the Jamaican variation that includes onions, garlic, bell peppers, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. This dish is typically served as a side in Jamaica but can also be a tasty addition to any meal around the world.

Creative Twists

You can also get creative with steamed cabbage by adding different toppings or changing the flavour profile. For instance:

• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or bacon bits.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Add freshly chopped dill and sour cream instead of butter.
• Toss in your favourite dried herbs with butter and salt.

The health benefits of cabbage

Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. It is also a surprisingly simple delicacy, with the cooking method and butter enhancing the flavour of the vegetable. But what are the health benefits of cabbage?

Nutritional Content

Cabbage is highly nutritious and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre. Cabbage also contains folate, manganese, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cabbage contains several antioxidants that have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, which is associated with various diseases, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The antioxidants in cabbage, such as sulforaphane, kaempferol, and others, are likely responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Digestive Health

Cabbage is an excellent source of fibre, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It contains both insoluble and soluble fibre, which help add bulk to stool, promote regular bowel movements, and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, cabbage has nutrients that strengthen the lining of the stomach and intestines, and its juice can aid in healing stomach ulcers.

Heart Health

The anthocyanins in red cabbage give it its vibrant purple colour and offer a range of health benefits. Anthocyanins are plant pigments that belong to the flavonoid family and have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, and protect against cardiovascular disease by suppressing inflammation.

Cancer Prevention

Cabbage contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing substances that your body converts into cancer-fighting compounds. The sulforaphane in cabbage, responsible for its bitter taste, is also a potent cancer-fighting compound. Research has shown that consuming cruciferous vegetables like cabbage is associated with a lower risk of cancer.

Diabetes Management

A diet high in cabbage has been found to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. A recent study suggested that adhering to a Nordic-style diet, which includes a generous amount of cabbage, reduced the chances of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 38%.

Frequently asked questions