Sweet And Sour Sauteed Cabbage

Prep: 10 min Cook: 11 min Serves: 4

Sweet and sour sauteed cabbage combines tender cabbage with apples, lemon, brown sugar, and spices for a flavorful side perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 small to medium red cabbage
  • 1/2 small to medium green cabbage
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 large or 2 smaller apples, chopped into small 1/3-inch dice
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Coarsely shred the cabbage and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped apples and cook, stirring, for about 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Mix in the lemon juice, brown sugar, cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and ground cloves.
  5. Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry until tender but still crunchy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  6. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more complex flavor, consider adding a dash of ground cloves or nutmeg when mixing in the liquids. If you prefer a sweeter dish, substitute the apples with pears or use a sweeter variety of apple. For a vegetarian option, simply use olive oil instead of butter. This dish is versatile and can accommodate other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour sautéed cabbage pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served as a side dish for vegetarian recipes. Consider serving it alongside grilled sausages or as a topping for tacos. It also works well with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious juices.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sauteed Cabbage contains roughly 163 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

163 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.4g 4% DV
Carbs 38.9g 14% DV
Fiber 11.6g 41% DV
Sugar 12.6g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 208.9mg 9% DV
Potassium 575.6mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 34.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 6.9mg 8% DV
Calcium 228.9mg 18% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sautéed cabbage in advance. Simply follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors may deepen after sitting, making it even more delicious.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

For this dish, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work well. The choice depends on how sweet or tart you want the final dish to be. Mixing two types can also add depth to the flavor.

Can I freeze the sautéed cabbage?

Freezing sautéed cabbage is possible, but the texture may change once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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