This Charred cabbage is smoky, tender, and loaded with bold flavors. With its irresistibly buttery flavors, it’s a simple yet flavor-loaded dish that transforms humble cabbage into something extraordinary. It can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal.
The golden, caramelized edges give way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, while a creamy, spicy garlic sauce adds a spicy and tangy kick.
Artisanal Approaches: Fermenting Foods
Experiment with fermenting foods like pickle, kimchi or sauerkraut for intense and complex flavors.
All I can say is, this easy charred cabbage recipe is a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
About Charred Cabbage
Charred cabbage is a simple, easy-to-make, yet flavorful dish that will make you see a good old cabbage in a whole new way. This restaurant-style gourmet charred cabbage has a caramelized, smoky exterior that pairs beautifully with the richness of butter, smoked paprika, and a hint of tang from vinegar.
You can relish it as a side or light meal, and you can also add it to your wraps and grain bowls.
Imagine tender cabbage with a smoky, buttery char, crisp edges, and a melt-in-your-mouth center. It does not stop here; this dish becomes irresistibly good when accompanied by a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy garlic sauce made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika.
The great thing about this easy cabbage recipe is that it is made using some basic, handful ingredients that are easily available in my kitchen. Plus, it is gluten-free and vegetarian and can also be made vegan with a little adjustment.
It is the perfect side for those who love bold flavors and quick recipes. Whether you are serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, it is a recipe that is as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Give it a try and enjoy a gourmet dish with smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite!
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
This Charred Cabbage
✔️ has smoky & buttery flavors
✔️ is quick & easy
✔️ uses minimal ingredients
✔️ gets ready in under 20 minutes
✔️ is vegetarian & gluten-free
✔️ can also be made vegan
✔️ has a creamy and zesty kick
✔️ is a perfect meatless dish
✔️ is packed with flavor and textures
✔️ is rich in fiber, vitamins, & antioxidants
✔️ is super versatile
✔️ can be served in many ways
Ingredients
For the Cabbage
- Pointed cabbage – I have used pointed cabbage here, as it is tender and has a slightly sweet flavor that becomes even more delicious when charred. You can use any other cabbage of your choice. Just remember that cooking time will differ with each cabbage variety.
- Olive oil & Butter – I used a combination of olive oil and butter to char the cabbage, adding a creamy richness and bringing out its natural flavors.
- Seasoning – For a smoky or spicy touch, I have used smoked paprika in both the charred cabbage recipe and in the spicy garlic sauce recipe. Instead of smoked paprika, you can also use red pepper flakes. Also, use any salt of your choice to balance the other flavors.
- Salt – A simple touch of salt brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vinegar – A touch of vinegar adds the tang to this cabbage recipe while enhancing the other flavors.
For the Sauce & Topping
- Mayonnaise – It is used for making a creamy base that helps give it a creamy texture. You can also use vegan mayonnaise for the vegan version.
- Greek yogurt – Added for tangy, creamy richness and added protein. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the mayonnaise.
- Sriracha sauce – Brings in a fiery, bold heat that’s just the right amount of spice.
- Seasoning: I have used smoked paprika for a smoky undertone, and salt to enhance the flavors. You can also add dried oregano or dried parsley to this sauce.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic gives a pungent and aromatic taste to this sauce.
- Lemon juice – A bit of lemon juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness while brightening up the taste of the whole sauce.
- Parsley – A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds a lush color and a fresh herby taste to this sauce and for garnishing. You can also use chopped cilantro here.
- Roasted peanuts – A handful of roasted peanuts is added for a crunchy, nutty texture and flavor contrast.
- Pickled red cabbage or onions – They add a beautiful contrast and a tangy, zesty touch to this charred cabbage recipe.
Variations
Vegan Charred Cabbage
To make it vegan, swap butter for vegan butter, use dairy-free yogurt instead of regular yogurt, and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo.
More heat
To make it extra hot, you can add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce and charred cabbage.
Cheesy Charred Cabbage
Love cheese in your dishes? Then feel free to sprinkle crumbled feta or Parmesan over the charred cabbage before serving.
Toppings
I have topped it with roasted peanuts. You can also use other crispy toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts of your choice for an extra nutty crunch.
Serving Suggestions
It can be served as a light meal or as a side dish with r or tofu, with a , or protein-rich salad like . You can also enjoy it over warm quinoa, rice, or couscous for a hearty meal.
Or for a variation, use the cabbage as a base for grain bowls or . It also pairs well with , , or for a complete vegetarian meal experience.
Storage Suggestions
This charred cabbage tastes best when served fresh. But if you have leftovers, you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just make sure to store the sauce separately. The sauce can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Before serving, reheat the cabbage in a skillet to revive the texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks to make the best Charred Cabbage
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Even Charring: For even char, press the cabbage with a spatula. It ensures even caramelization.
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Deep Char: For deep char and smoky flavor, use a cast-iron pan.
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Flavorings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and the amount of sriracha sauce according to your taste preference.
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Vinegar: Don’t skip the vinegar, as it adds a little acidity and balances the other flavors.
Charred Cabbage (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Prepare the Veggies
- Peel the garlic cloves and chop the parsley. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Slice the cabbage into quarters, keeping the core intact to hold the wedges together.
Char the Cabbage
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place 2 cabbage wedges cut side down and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes or until charred. Flip and repeat on the other side. Adjust the charring to your preference.
- Sprinkle the charred tops with smoked paprika and salt, then drizzle a little vinegar over the wedges. Flip them and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor. Once done, remove them from the pan and repeat with the remaining wedges.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, smoked paprika, salt, minced garlic, parsley, and sriracha. Mix well until smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice and mix again.
Serve
- Spread the prepared sauce onto a serving platter. Arrange the charred cabbage wedges on top. Garnish with pickled red cabbage or onions for color and texture. Drizzle more sauce on top, sprinkle roasted peanuts for crunch, and optionally add a touch more smoked paprika and parsley for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy your smoky, buttery charred cabbage with the creamy and spicy garlic sauce!
Recipe Card
Charred Cabbage [Recipe]
This smoky, tender charred cabbage with a creamy, spicy garlic sauce is a bold, flavorful dish perfect as a side or light meal.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Sides | International | 4 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 210 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For the Cabbage
- 1 pointed cabbage
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Smoked paprika or chili flakes (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Vinegar (for drizzling)
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Salt (to taste)
- Smoked paprika (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- A handful of parsley, finely chopped
- Roasted peanuts, for serving
- Pickled red cabbage or onions, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Veggies
- Peel the garlic cloves and chop the parsley. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Slice the cabbage into quarters, keeping the core intact to hold the wedges together.
Char the Cabbage
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place 2 cabbage wedges cut side down and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes or until charred. Flip and repeat on the other side. Adjust the charring to your preference.
- Sprinkle the charred tops with smoked paprika and salt, then drizzle a little vinegar over the wedges. Flip them and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor. Once done, remove them from the pan and repeat with the remaining wedges.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, smoked paprika, salt, minced garlic, parsley, and sriracha. Mix well until smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice and mix again.
Serve
- Spread the prepared sauce onto a serving platter. Arrange the charred cabbage wedges on top. Garnish with pickled red cabbage or onions for color and texture. Drizzle more sauce on top, sprinkle roasted peanuts for crunch, and optionally add a touch more smoked paprika and parsley for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy your smoky, buttery charred cabbage with the creamy and spicy garlic sauce!
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NOTES:
- For even char, press the cabbage with a spatula. It ensures even caramelization.
- Don’t skip the vinegar, as it adds a little acidity and balances the other flavors.