Unfussy Sautéed Napa Cabbage for the Table

I only about always have a head of cabbage in my refrigerator for recipes such as roasted cabbage, pickled cabbage, and this truly simple sautéed cabbage.

Think you don’t like cabbage recipes? Take 5 minutes of your time to prep this dish by combining only 5 ingredients, plus any herbs and/or spices you’d like. After only 15 minutes of cooking, I’m willing to bet this flavor-packed and straightforward cabbage recipe will quickly change your mind!

I seriously love cabbage because it’s readily available year round, is quite inexpensive and keeps fresh in the fridge for a long time. If I need a fast veggie side to go along with dinner, this truly simple sautéed Napa cabbage is my go-to.

What is Napa cabbage?

Cabbages come in all different shapes and sizes, and Chinese cabbage is one of the four main varieties of cabbage (along with green, red and savoy). Napa cabbage is the most popular type of Chinese cabbage. Most grocery stores label Napa varieties as “Chinese cabbage,” but beware: they may also put bok choy, pak choy or other Asian greens under the same label.

Napa cabbage is more oblong than regular cabbage. It has a mild flavor and savory crunchy texture with high water content. See below for a good visual of what it looks like.

Ingredients needed

This Napa cabbage recipe is made with only 5 basic ingredients (including salt and pepper)! Full recipe is down in the recipe card. Set out:

• Napa cabbage. For this dish, set out one medium head of cabbage (our main ingredient!). Look for one that is firm and heavy for its size. Choose one that has shiny, green leaves, an older cabbage may have browning on the leaves.
  I’m able to find napa cabbage at my local grocery store but if you don’t find it, try and Asian market.
• Garlic. Gives the cabbage a nice boost of garlicky flavor!
• Olive oil + butter. To sauté the cabbage, I like to use a combination of olive oil and butter for savory rich flavor. Feel free to use a vegan butter, as desired.
• Salt + pepper. To bring all of the flavors together. You can add in other seasonings that you love too!
• Apple cider vinegar. Adds a fresh, subtle tang.

How to cut Napa cabbage for sautéing

Cut the head of cabbage in half from top to bottom, lengthwise. Lay each half flat on a large cutting board and slice it into thin strips (see video for reference!).

How for this method

If Napa cabbage is new to you, this simple recipe is a great one to try! The cooking method is so straightforward and the flavors pair well with a variety of meals. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté. Once the cabbage is cut into thin strips, add butter and olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add in the garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in the cabbage and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring a few times, until it’s tender.
2. Serve. Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar. Serve with additional salt and pepper, green onion, and enjoy!

Customize this dish

This Napa cabbage recipe is welcome as-is, but feel free to add other ingredients to change up the flavors. Here’s some ideas:

• Seasonings. Stir in some added flavor with any go-to spice. Some options: Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning. You can even add in a splash of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for an Asian twist.
• Cabbage. If you don’t have Napa cabbage available, you can swap it with green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, red cabbage or bok choy. Simply be aware that the cook time may vary.
• Protein. Add some cooked crumbled bacon or tempeh for extra flavor, or make it a meal by stirring in some crispy tofu or cooked ground turkey.
• Vegetables. You can add more veggies to the mix. Try sautéing sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, shredded carrots or broccoli with the cabbage.
• Herbs. Finish your cabbage with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme.
• Maple syrup. While Napa cabbage already has a sweet flavor, people often add a touch of maple syrup to give it a sweeter taste.

Frequently Asked Questions