Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage Recipe

Name: Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced; salt to taste; 0.33333334326744 cup water; 0.25 cup red wine; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or to taste; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 1 pinch caraway seeds

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

This vibrant and flavorful side dish is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with tender red cabbage cooked in butter, red wine, and a hint of sugar and caraway seeds.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small head of red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
cup water
cup red wine
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or to taste)
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 pinch of caraway seeds

Directions

Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the sliced red cabbage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to soften.

Step 2: Season the cabbage with salt to taste.

Step 3: Pour in the water, red wine, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the cabbage is well-coated.

Step 4: Add the sugar and caraway seeds to the skillet. Stir to evenly distribute the sugar and spices.

Step 5: Continue cooking and stirring the cabbage mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is tender. If the cabbage is still too firm, add a splash of water and continue cooking for a few more minutes until it softens.

Chef's Notes

There are many ways to customize this dish. You can add raisins, currants, shallots, onions, leeks, apples, or pears to enhance the flavor profile and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 134
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per serving	% Daily Value
Total Fat	6g	8%
Saturated Fat	4g	19%
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	80mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	6%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Total Sugars	12g	-
Protein	2g	4%
Vitamin C	81mg	90%
Calcium	69mg	5%
Iron	1mg	7%
Potassium	377mg	8%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients.

Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage is a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines tender red cabbage with a sweet and tangy braising liquid of red wine, vinegar, and sugar. A pinch of caraway seeds adds an aromatic touch, making it a standout addition to any meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste with ingredients like apples, raisins, or shallots.

Origin of Braised Red Cabbage

While the exact origins of braised red cabbage are hard to trace, it is often associated with traditional European cuisine, particularly in Germany. In fact, the dish is a staple in German households, where it is commonly served alongside hearty meats like sausages, roast pork, or duck. The use of red cabbage in cooking has a long history, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where it has been used for centuries both for its flavor and nutritional value.

Regional Variations

In Germany, braised red cabbage is known as "Rotkohl" or "Blaukraut," and it is a must-have during the holiday season. Regional differences can be found in the way the cabbage is prepared. In Bavaria, for instance, apples and a dash of cinnamon are often added to the recipe, giving it a sweeter flavor. In other parts of Germany, the dish may feature a more vinegary tang. In Poland, a similar dish called "Kapusta Czerwona" is often flavored with more bold spices like bay leaves and allspice, along with a generous amount of butter for richness.

How Chef John's Recipe Stands Out

Chef Johns version of braised red cabbage stands out for its simplicity and balance of flavors. The inclusion of red wine gives the dish a depth of flavor that is more complex than traditional versions, which typically rely on vinegar alone for acidity. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the caraway seeds bring a unique, slightly nutty flavor. Additionally, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastessome might prefer adding apples for sweetness, or bacon for a savory touch.

Where to Serve This Dish

Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It pairs especially well with roasted meats such as pork, duck, and beef. The dishs tangy-sweet flavor profile complements the richness of these meats perfectly. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to sausages, especially in traditional German meals. Aside from festive meals, its an easy dish to incorporate into regular dinner rotations or as part of a larger family meal.

Fun Facts About Red Cabbage

Red cabbage, the key ingredient in this dish, is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Its an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and is also high in fiber, helping with digestion. Interestingly, red cabbage gets its vibrant color from anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that is also found in other purple and red fruits and vegetables. When cooked, anthocyanins can change color depending on the pH of the environment, which is why red cabbage often turns a bluish hue when cooked with alkaline ingredients like baking soda.

In addition to its health benefits, red cabbage has long been a symbol of good luck in some cultures. In Germany, it is often included in festive meals as a sign of prosperity and abundance for the coming year. Whether you believe in its symbolic power or not, theres no denying that this delicious side dish brings both flavor and color to any table.

FAQ about Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage Recipe

Leftover braised red cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave. If you'd like to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, depending on the flavor profile you prefer. However, keep in mind that using a different vinegar may slightly alter the taste of the dish.

Yes, if you're not a fan of caraway seeds or don't have them on hand, you can omit them. Some variations of the recipe suggest using other spices like celery seeds, or you can experiment with adding more herbs or flavors that you enjoy.

To make the dish sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar, honey, or maple syrup. For extra tang, consider adding more vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Yes, you can use green cabbage instead of red cabbage. While red cabbage provides a more vibrant color, green cabbage will still work well in this recipe, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Braised red cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like pork or beef, sausages, or even as a side dish for a vegetarian meal. It also goes great with mashed potatoes or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or rice.

Yes, braised red cabbage can be made ahead of time. It actually benefits from resting, as the flavors have more time to develop. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

The recipe is vegetarian as it contains butter, but it can be easily made vegan by swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter.

Yes, fruits like apples or pears are great additions to this dish. You can sauté them along with the cabbage, or add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of sweetness and texture.

The total cooking time for this recipe is about 20 minutes. This includes the time to soften the cabbage and allow the liquid to reduce. If the cabbage isn't tender enough after 5 minutes, you can add a splash of water and cook it a bit longer.

Comments

Dorothy Williams

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was a fantastic side dish to make & I highly recommend it. I did substitute honey for the white sugar as we don't use processed white sugar. I also omitted the Caraway upon the suggestion of another reviewer; I don't care for the taste. My family & friends raved over this side. It's a definite keeper for family meals & it has been added to our regular recipe rotation. This was served as a side to go with fish.

Aspen

05/31/2015 11:37:59 AM

I modified- that's why only 3 stars. I sliced up 2 pieces of bacon and fried until crisp then removed from the pan. Used the drippings, omitting the butter and added 1/2 med sliced onion with the cabbage, cooked as directed then added bacon back in. Instead of red wine used water, instead of red wine vinegar used apple cider vinegar, only 1T. sugar and omitted the caraway. I cooked out all the water and continued a bit more, watching and stirring until slightly browned. EXCELLENT! Also can be green or red cabbage.

masonmohanna

02/09/2022 06:50:26 PM

I eat a head of red cabbage per week using this recipe. So good. The only difference is I leave out the sugar and caraway and go absolutely nuts with the red wine vinegar.

purpleandblues

10/10/2021 09:37:58 PM

Simple and Delicious. I’ve made this a few times now. So much better than jar cabbage. Today I sautéed onion and a chopped apple before adding the cabbage. Used brown sugar instead of white. Thank you Chef John!

RoseLox9813

03/17/2023 05:45:56 PM

I did change a few things. I fried up a pound of bacon. Put bacon aside and drained out the grease allowing enough to sauté the cabbage. I sautéed the cabbage in the bacon fat with a Tbs. of butter. I did not add salt or caraway seeds due to personal preference. When serving, I added crumbled bacon on top. Excellent!

Anna Kozma

03/05/2023 11:49:15 PM

Super-easy to male, and very versatile. I added 2 small sliced green apples, celery seed instead of caraway seeds, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar and additional white vinegar at the end of cooking to make it more tangy. Next time will try to add shallots or white onions as well.

Louise Nissenbaum

07/22/2018 03:11:24 AM

I made this but I did chop 1 medium yellow onion and I peeled and chopped a small granny smith apple and sauteed these first, then followed the recipe. I used a splash more of red wine vinegar and two extra tsp of brown sugar. It came out so very good.

Kelly Schacht

09/25/2013 04:21:16 PM

The recipe was simple. I did not add sugar. Husband and I did not care for the caraway seed in this. Next time, I will omit the caraway seed and add some sliced onions. Overall, not a bad recipe.

SugarCookie

03/11/2020 02:19:31 PM

Fantastic! Thank you Chef John. I cut sugar in half, no salt. Used Balsamic, and White grape vinegar (sweeter), and garlic powder. Added bits of maple chipotle bacon. Simmered slow through process uncovered to reduce liquid ingredients. Delish!

Gord

04/06/2021 02:22:44 AM

I skipped the caraway seeds (didn't have any) but as others have suggested I added diced onion and a diced Granny Smith apple and honey instead of sugar. I think we must have inhaled it 'cause there's none left. First time time making cabbage other than steaming and it for sure won't be the last.

categray

12/25/2020 08:45:14 PM

This was absolutely amazing! I made a traditional British dinner for Christmas Eve and this was a hit. I sautéed shallots and finely chopped apple in the butter before I added the cabbage, added a little more butter, and I definitely used a pinch of caraway seed. It turned out perfect and everyone loved it!

GEm

08/08/2025 12:17:26 AM

I added grated green apple and purple onions to it and some balsamic vinegar. Delicious!

veedabowlu

06/24/2025 10:02:30 PM

Added some parsley flakes at the end

Michael Martinez

04/06/2025 07:45:57 PM

Even my picky friends were impressed.

argie498189

04/05/2025 02:55:25 AM

I had a red cabbage and usually cook it German-style with apples, but didn't have any of those, so found this recipe. All was well until finding no caraway seeds in the pantry. Substituted kalonji seeds - you did mention something about onions - and they were interesting! Enjoyed very much. Will look for caraway seeds next trip to the store.

FizzyKiwi1106

12/25/2024 01:29:43 AM

Super easy to make and super tasty.

Llhmel

11/09/2024 02:07:41 AM

I added onions & garlic to the cabbage. Pretty much followed all other directions. This was a delicious dish and I grilled Polish sausage to compliment the cabbage.

SassyChip2376

10/20/2024 09:37:36 PM

I’ll make this again but omit the wine. Otherwise, yummy. I liked the caraway seeds.

Angela Chervenak

03/22/2024 04:10:07 AM

ABSOLUTE winner!!! I have never enjoyed cabbage more. It was a hit with everyone...and now I know how to make an amazing red cabbage dish. I did not have the caraway seeds - so that was the only alteration.

Marie Hornbein

01/23/2024 10:51:27 PM

My husband loved it! I'm making it again!

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Chef John's Braised Red Cabbage Recipe