Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Sweet and sour cabbage is a tasty and easy-to-make dish that combines the tangy kick of vinegar and the natural sweetness of brown sugar for a flavor that really pops. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side with chicken, beef, or pork, this dish will turn simple cabbage into something special that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

What’s great about sweet and sour cabbage is how you can tweak it to match your taste. You can easily adjust the recipe to find your perfect balance if you love a stronger vinegar bite or a bit more sweetness. You can even switch up the cabbage—red cabbage adds a pretty color and a slightly different flavor, while green cabbage works just as well for a delicious dish.

Besides its great taste, sweet and sour cabbage is super simple to make. It’s perfect for beginners, takes little time to prepare, and delivers big on flavor. If you haven’t tried sweet and sour cabbage yet, now’s the perfect time to give this mouthwatering dish a go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Cabbage is loaded with good stuff like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It’s low in calories, making it a great choice for a healthy diet. Plus, the vinegar in the sauce adds a nice dose of antioxidants.
• Super Easy to Make: Making sweet and sour cabbage is a snap! You just need a few basic ingredients like cabbage, vinegar, sugar (or your favorite sweetener), and some seasonings.
• Flavor That’s Just Right for You: The best part about sweet and sour cabbage is how easy it is to tweak the flavor. Want it sweeter or tangier? Just adjust the sugar and vinegar to get it exactly how you like it.
• Goes Great with Lots of Dishes: Sweet and sour cabbage is a perfect side for all kinds of main dishes, like sausages, chicken, or pork.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Green Cabbage: The star of the dish! Shredding the cabbage helps it soak up all the sweet and sour goodness while adding vitamins and fiber.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cabbage, giving the dish a nice mix of textures.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the cabbage a smooth, even coating.
• Brown Sugar: Brings the sweetness that balances out the tangy vinegar, plus it helps caramelize the onions and cabbage.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a savory kick, boosting the overall sweet and sour flavor of the dish.
• Water: Used to deglaze the pan, making the sauce nice and smooth while helping cook the cabbage to just the right tenderness.
• White Vinegar: Adds that tangy punch, cutting through the sweetness and bacon richness while tenderizing the cabbage.

How to Make

• Step One: Add bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Don’t get rid of the bacon grease!

• Step Two: In the same skillet, add sugar and flour and stir together. Add in onion, water and vinegar. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

• Step Three: Crumble bacon and add to skillet. Add in cabbage and stir until coated in sauce. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until cabbage is softened. Serve hot.

Equipment Needed

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• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large skillet 
• Measuring cups and spoons

What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Cabbage

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: The tangy kick of sweet and sour cabbage pairs perfectly with rich grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or pork chops. Try my Flank Steak.
• Potatoes: Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, potatoes are a great match for sweet and sour cabbage. Their starchy goodness adds a comforting contrast to the cabbage’s bright flavors. Try my Irish Potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is ideal for soaking up all the tasty sauce from the cabbage. Serve it with a little butter or garlic spread for extra flavor. Try my Garlic Bread.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to your meal. Try a mix of lettuces, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.
• Grains: Quinoa, rice, or barley are excellent sides that let the cabbage’s flavors really stand out.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and extra nutrients to your meal with steamed or roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, asparagus, or green beans. They’ll complement the cabbage beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: While bacon is the go-to, you can switch it up with diced ham or sliced cooked sausages for a new flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try using crispy tofu or tempeh instead.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is popular alternative, but you can play around with red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a sweeter spin on the dish.
• Sweeteners: If you’re looking for a natural alternative to brown sugar, try using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to sweeten up your sweet and sour cabbage.
• Spices and Herbs: Add a little extra flavor by tossing in spices like caraway seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also bring a fresh pop of flavor and color.
• Vegetables: Want to bulk up your sweet and sour cabbage? Mix in some grated carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for more texture and taste.

Storage Instructions

After cooking the dish, let it cool down completely before moving it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any condensation that could make your cabbage soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Once the cabbage has cooled, put it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Leave a little space at the top for expansion as it freezes. Properly stored, your sweet and sour cabbage will last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight or use your microwave’s defrost setting.

When reheating, go for a gentle approach. Warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it on a lower power setting to keep the texture and flavor just right. If needed, you can add a splash of water or vinegar to adjust the consistency or taste.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Pick the Right Vinegar: The vinegar you choose can really change up the flavor of your sweet and sour cabbage. While plain white vinegar works, you can try apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for something a little different.
• Add Some Color: Don’t hesitate to mix it up with different cabbages. Combining red and green cabbage makes for a vibrant and visually appealing dish!
• Adjust the Sweetness: Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to tweak the sugar in the recipe. Start with a little and add more as you go until you find the perfect sweet and sour balance for you.

Can I Use Red Cabbage?

Definitely! Red cabbage is great for sweet and sour recipes. It not only adds a pop of color to your dish but also gives a slightly different flavor than green cabbage. Plus, red cabbage has more antioxidants and a bit of an earthier taste, making it a fun and healthy twist on the classic recipe.

Cabbage Recipes

• Cabbage Roll Rice
• Creamy Cabbage Soup
• Cabbage & Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry
• Cabbage Roll Soup
• Cabbage Roll Casserole

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