Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage
Sweet-sour red cabbage is a vibrant, tangy dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of cabbage with a zesty kick from vinegar. This colorful side can elevate any meal, making it ideal for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove outside leaves from cabbage.
- Wash cabbage.
- Shred to measure 5 cups.
- In a saucepan, heat 1/2-inch salted water and 2 tablespoons vinegar to boiling.
- Add cabbage. Cover and heat to boiling. Cook about 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with olive oil for sautéing. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a sweeter taste. Ensure the cabbage is shredded evenly for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet-sour red cabbage pairs beautifully with pork recipes, making it an excellent side for roasted pork or sausages. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or with a hearty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. It also complements dishes like Microwave Ham Roll-Ups for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage contains roughly 133 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value).
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 use green cabbage instead of red?
While red cabbage is preferred for its flavor and color, you can substitute green cabbage. However, note that the taste will be milder and the final dish will lack the vibrant color that red cabbage provides.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar. For a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. Alternatively, add more vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this sweet-sour red cabbage can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight 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).