Instant Pot Cabbage

Cabbage is an underrated vegetable that can be transformed into something delicious with the right cooking method. Using an Instant Pot is one of the easiest, fastest ways to cook cabbage that highlights its naturally sweet, slightly spicy flavor. This super versatile veggie can be made into tasty side dishes, soups, stews and more.

Why Cook Cabbage in an Instant Pot?

Cabbage cooked in the Instant Pot turns out incredibly tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods. The pressurized environment helps break down cabbage’s tough cell walls faster.

You can have fall-off-the-fork tender cabbage on the dinner table in under 30 minutes start to finish with an Instant Pot. No more waiting an hour or longer for boiled, braised or roasted cabbage!

Using the Instant Pot also allows you to build fantastic flavor into the cabbage as it cooks. A little broth, seasoning and butter is all you need.

Tips for Preparing Cabbage for the Instant Pot

Start with a head of fresh green or purple cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves. Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt.

Cut the cabbage into wedges by first slicing it in half through the core. Stand each half up on its flat side, then cut into quarters or eighths depending on the size.

The wedges allow the cabbage to partially steam and partially braise in the cooking liquid for the best texture. You can make the wedges any size that fits your Instant Pot.

For even cooking, try to cut the wedges so they are roughly equal in size and thickness. Remove the tough central core if preferred.

How to Cook Cabbage in an Instant Pot

Cooking cabbage in the Instant Pot is very simple:

1. Add cooking liquid to pot – chicken or vegetable broth works well.
2. Stir in seasoning like garlic, salt, pepper, thyme.
3. Add a fat like butter for richness – olive oil to make it vegan.
4. Place cabbage wedges in the pot, submerging them partially in liquid.
5. Pressure cook 3-6 minutes depending on the tenderness desired.
6. Quick release pressure and serve warm with extra seasoning if desired.

The cooking time can vary based on how tender you want the cabbage and the size of the wedges. Start checking doneness at 3 minutes. For very soft cabbage, cook up to 6 minutes. Quick releasing the pressure prevents overcooking.

Instant Pot Cabbage Recipes

Aside from garlic, salt and pepper, almost any seasoning complements cabbage beautifully. Get creative with your favorite fresh or dried herbs, spices, vinegars, mustards, etc.

Some delicious flavor combinations to try:

• Garlic, thyme, sage
• Onion, paprika, oregano
• Apple cider vinegar, caraway
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic
• Mustard, dill

Don’t be shy with adding richness from butter, olive oil or bacon drippings. Cabbage soaks up and balances out fats very nicely.

For a sweeter cabbage side dish, add chopped apples, raisins or cranberries and a splash of apple cider or red wine vinegar.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Cabbage

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving tender, flavorful Instant Pot cabbage. Here are just a few ideas:

• As a side to pork chops, sausages, ribs
• In soups – potato, tomato, butternut squash
• Over grains like rice, barley or farro
• Wilted into a salad with apples, nuts and lemon vinaigrette
• Stuffed into tacos or sandwiches
• Under pot roast or brisket
• With smashed potatoes as an updated colcannon
• Pureed into a silky soup with broth and cream

However you choose to use it, Instant Pot cabbage is guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Its versatility and ease of cooking can’t be beat!