Name: Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small green cabbage; 1 small yellow onion; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoon ghee (or a blend of butter and olive oil); Kosher salt (to taste); Ground black pepper (to taste)

If you’re searching for a simple, healthy side that bursts with flavor, this Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cabbage caramelized with garlic and onions in ghee creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

A large white pan filled with cooked cabbage and onions, the cabbage leaves are soft and light green with bits of browned, translucent onions mixed evenly throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, partially covered by the cabbage, showing the texture of the cooked vegetables. The pan handles are white and the pan sits on a dark cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a wooden salt grinder and a small black bowl with salt, adding a rustic touch to the scene. The photo has natural light highlighting the layers and colors of the cabbage and onions, giving it a fresh and warm look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how effortlessly this sautéed cabbage comes together—just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and you get a warm, caramelized side that pairs with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce you probably already have on hand.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: Slow caramelization of cabbage and garlic creates rich, savory notes.
Healthy Side Dish: Low in fat and full of fiber to complement any meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this recipe, I recommend grabbing a fresh small green cabbage and a sweet yellow onion for the best flavor and texture. Using ghee instead of regular butter or oil gives the dish a lovely, nutty richness that helps with caramelization.

Flat lay of a small whole green cabbage, a small whole yellow onion, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with golden melted ghee, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green cabbage: The star of the dish; use a small one for even cooking and easy slicing.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish its aromatic kick.
Ghee: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and a high smoke point ideal for caramelizing vegetables. You can also blend butter and olive oil if needed.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balance.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to play around with it. Whether you want to add a little extra kick or brighten it up with a splash of acidity, it’s easy to personalize to your taste and pantry staples.

Variation: For a subtle heat, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. It adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the caramelized cabbage.
Dietary tweak: If you prefer vegan, easily swap out the ghee for olive oil or vegan butter and you’ll still get great flavor and texture.
Seasonal twist: Toss in some thinly sliced carrots or shred in a bit of Brussels sprouts during cooking for a colorful, veggie-packed side.
Extra zing: A splash of apple cider vinegar right at the end adds a lovely tang that really wakes up this healthy side dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe

A white round pot filled with a single layer of shredded cabbage leaves, showing different shades of green and pale yellow. The cabbage strips have a mix of smooth and slightly crinkled textures, arranged loosely inside the pot. The pot has two white handles on the sides and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice Your Vegetables Thinly and Evenly

Start by cutting your small green cabbage in half, then into quarters. Carefully remove the core from each piece—it’s the firm, whitish section at the base—and then chop the cabbage crosswise into thin slices. Next, slice your small yellow onion in half and then into thin half-moon shapes. This even slicing ensures everything cooks evenly and caramelizes beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Ghee

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the sliced onions and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic cloves and stir for another minute. The aroma of garlic and softened onions is your signal to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Caramelize the Cabbage

Toss the sliced cabbage into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Keep the heat at medium-high to encourage caramelization but watch closely to prevent burning. Stir the cabbage occasionally over the next 15 minutes. You’ll notice it wilts down and gradually develops a gorgeous golden-brown color with a tender texture. This is where the magic happens—sweet, nutty, and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Season and Serve Warm

Once the cabbage is beautifully caramelized and tender, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss to evenly distribute the seasoning. Serve this cozy, healthy side dish warm alongside your favorite mains and enjoy every flavorful bite.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe, making each bite perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized every time.

Use Medium-High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures the cabbage caramelizes nicely without steaming and getting soggy. It’s the key to that golden-brown color and rich flavor.
Don’t Rush the Caramelization: I’ve learned that giving the cabbage time to cook undisturbed before stirring helps develop those delicious caramelized edges.
Add Garlic Last: Adding the minced garlic after the onions start softening prevents it from burning and turning bitter, keeping that sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
Season at the End: Salting too early can draw out water and inhibit caramelization, so it’s best to season just before serving to keep the cabbage flavorful and perfectly textured.

How to Serve Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe

A white pan with two handles filled with cooked cabbage, lightly browned with hints of green and some darker bits of pepper and onion mixed in. The cabbage is shredded into many layers with a soft, slightly wilted texture, showing both pale green and light yellow colors. The pan is placed on a gray cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a small black bowl with salt, a wooden pepper grinder, and a stack of white plates with four forks on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sautéed cabbage, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. For a touch of crunch, toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts also pair wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This caramelized garlic sautéed cabbage is a versatile side perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or seared pork chops. It also complements hearty dishes like mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad, adding a healthy, flavorful balance to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover caramelized garlic sautéed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an easy and convenient side to enjoy later.

Freezing

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftover sautéed cabbage for up to 1 month. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the cabbage gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive its caramelized texture. You can also microwave leftovers covered, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Add a splash of water or a little extra ghee if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage works beautifully, you can also try red cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just follow the same cooking method.

What can I substitute for ghee if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have ghee, you can use butter or a mix of butter and olive oil. These alternatives will still provide a nice richness and help with caramelization.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

The key is to cook over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan so the cabbage steams less and caramelizes more. Stir occasionally but not too often to allow those golden edges to form.

Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang, red pepper flakes for heat, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Recipe has become one of those comforting staples in my kitchen—simple, quick, and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cabbage’s natural sweetness without complicated steps. I hope you find it as satisfying and easy to make as I do, and that it becomes a favorite side dish in your home too.