Steaming Cabbage Before Cooking: Is It Worth The Effort?

Steaming is an indirect cooking process that gently cooks delicate ingredients to retain their flavour and nutrients. It is a quick and easy way to cook cabbage, a healthy, low-calorie, low-carb vegetable. Steaming cabbage is also a great way to avoid the unpleasant smell associated with boiled cabbage. This text will explore the benefits of steaming cabbage before cooking it with other ingredients and provide a simple recipe to achieve this.

Steaming cabbage: the best types and how to prepare them

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, some varieties are better suited to this cooking technique than others.

Best types of cabbage for steaming

White cabbage, napa cabbage, and pak choi are the most suited for steaming. These types of cabbage have a delicate texture and a mild, sweet flavour that is enhanced by the steaming process.

More robust cabbages, such as red and Savoy, can also be steamed, but they are better suited to other cooking techniques such as braising or sautéing.

How to prepare cabbage for steaming

First, wash the cabbage and remove any tough or brown outer leaves. Then, thinly slice the cabbage or cut it into wedges. If you are using green cabbage, you can also shred it before steaming for a crunchy texture.

How long to steam cabbage

Place the prepared cabbage in a steamer basket or a large, deep skillet with a lid. Steam the cabbage for approximately 4 minutes if it is thinly sliced, or for 10 minutes if it is cut into wedges. It should be cooked but still have a bit of bite.

Once it's cooked, season the cabbage and serve it immediately. Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that goes well with meat, fish, shellfish, tofu, and other proteins. It's also delicious with some butter and fresh herbs.

How to steam cabbage on the stove

Steaming cabbage is a great way to cook the vegetable while retaining its flavour and nutrients. It is also a quick and easy method, making it a fantastic side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cabbage on the stove.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Firstly, choose fresh, crisp cabbage with no marks or signs of browning. Remove any damaged or discoloured leaves and cut the cabbage into halves or quarters. Cut out the core from each section and shred the cabbage or leave it in bigger pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Set Up the Stove

Fill a large pot or stockpot with water and place it on the stove. The amount of water should be just enough to reach below a steamer basket or metal colander, which you will place on top of the pot. You can add a bit of salt to the water for subtle flavour, but this is optional.

Step 3: Steam the Cabbage

Place the prepared cabbage into the steamer basket or colander, spreading it out evenly. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Let the cabbage steam until it is tender but still crisp. The cooking time will depend on the type of cabbage and the size of the pieces. For shredded cabbage, this should take around 5-8 minutes, while quarters will need about 10-12 minutes. For red cabbage, you may need to add a few extra minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the steamer basket or colander from the pot and let it drain on a paper towel. You can serve the cabbage as-is, or add some melted butter or olive oil, and toss to coat. You can also sprinkle on some additional salt and pepper, or try drizzling apple cider vinegar over the cabbage for a stronger flavour. Enjoy!

How to steam cabbage in the microwave

Steaming cabbage is a great way to cook the vegetable while preserving its nutrients and flavour. It is also a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cabbage in the microwave:

Firstly, you will need to prepare your cabbage. It is recommended that you wash the cabbage well and pat it dry. You can then thinly slice, quarter, chop or shred the cabbage, depending on your preference.

Next, place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish. You will need to add a small amount of water to the dish—approximately 1/4-inch or 1 teaspoon of water per cup of cabbage. Cover the dish, either with a lid or with microwave-safe plastic wrap, and place it in the microwave.

Microwave the cabbage on high for around 8 minutes. If your microwave does not have a turntable, you may need to rotate the dish a quarter turn halfway through cooking. The cabbage is ready when it is tender but still slightly crisp.

Finally, drain the water from the dish and add your choice of seasoning. Butter and salt are classic additions, but you could also try adding freshly chopped dill with a couple of tablespoons of sour cream, or your favourite dried herbs.

And there you have it—a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish ready in just a few minutes!

How to serve steamed cabbage

Steaming is a great way to cook cabbage, preserving its flavour, colour, and nutrients. It is also a quick and easy method, making it an ideal side dish for a variety of meals. Here is a guide on how to serve steamed cabbage:

Preparation

Before steaming, it is best to wash the cabbage and pat it dry. Remove any outer leaves, as they may be tough and carry residual pesticides. You can then thinly slice the cabbage or cut it into wedges. If you are shredding the cabbage, cut the root and quarter it first, then slice out the root with two diagonal slices. Then, thinly slice the cabbage crosswise, using a circular motion with your knife.

Steaming

Place the cabbage in a steamer or a large pot with a steamer basket. If using a pot, add an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Cover and steam the cabbage for around 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Smaller, thinly sliced pieces will take less time, while wedges will take longer. The cabbage should be tender but still have a bit of bite.

Seasoning and Serving

Once steamed, place the cabbage in a bowl and let it cool for a couple of minutes. You can then mix in butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like dried herbs, dill, or sour cream.

Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. It is a great complement to meat dishes, especially beef, pork, ham, and sausage. It also goes well with fish, shellfish, and tofu. For an Asian-inspired flavour, try drizzling soy sauce and sesame oil over the steamed cabbage and serve it with chopsticks.

There you have it! A simple and tasty way to serve steamed cabbage, which can be easily customised to your liking.

The health benefits of steamed cabbage

Steaming is a gentle cooking process that helps retain the flavour and nutrients of vegetables. This is especially true for delicate vegetables such as cabbage. Steaming cabbage is a healthy way to cook it while preserving its nutrients. Here are some health benefits of steamed cabbage:

Rich in Nutrients

Cabbage is packed with nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and B6, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It is also rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and sulfur compounds, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The antioxidants and sulfur compounds in cabbage have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Improved Digestion

Cabbage is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system by adding bulk to stool and supporting regular bowel movements. It also increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, as fiber is the main fuel source for friendly bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

Heart Health

The anthocyanins in red cabbage give it its vibrant purple colour and offer protection against heart disease. They reduce the risk of heart attacks and lower blood pressure and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of cabbage also contribute to heart health by reducing inflammation, a key factor in the development of heart disease.

Cancer Prevention

Cabbage contains glucosinolates, sulfur-containing substances that your body converts into cancer-fighting compounds. The sulforaphane in cabbage has been linked to lower cancer risks in various studies. Cabbage may also protect against the negative effects of radiation therapy, as seen in animal studies.

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