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Tasty German Red Cabbage

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This German favorite mixes red cabbage with butter, sugar and balsamic for that signature sweet-tangy taste. Minimal work with maximum flavor, done in 50 minutes.

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Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:43:09 GMT
A close-up of a dish featuring sautéed purple cabbage garnished with herbs, served on a decorative plate. Pin it
A close-up of a dish featuring sautéed purple cabbage garnished with herbs, served on a decorative plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Tangy German Red Cabbage – Timeless Accompaniment 🥬

This German red cabbage balances sharp and sweet flavors with just 4 ingredients in half an hour. Cooked in butter and finished with a sugar and balsamic vinegar mix, it makes a great partner for sausages, pork dishes, or any roasted meat.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Drawing from German and Austrian culinary traditions, this family-inspired dish keeps things simple yet tasty. Butter-cooked red cabbage with sugar and balsamic creates a rich side you can throw together quickly. Want to make it special? Toss in some apples, onions, or chestnuts during holiday seasons!

Slicing Your Red Cabbage

  1. Cut the cabbage into two equal parts through the middle.
  2. Take one half and divide it into quarters, saving the remaining portion.
  3. Starting from the top down, create thin slices of each quarter, keeping the core if you want extra crunch. This method helps everything cook evenly and become tender.

Perfect Pairings For Tangy Red Cabbage

  • Hearty sausages or juicy pork chops.
  • Traditional German fare like schnitzel or pork patties.
  • Any poultry or beef roast for a fancier meal. The sweet-sour flavor works with pretty much any meat!

Handling Extra Portions

Fridge
Keep unused portions in sealed containers up to 5 days.
Reheat
Heat slowly in your microwave or in a pan with low heat.
Avoid Freezing
Don't freeze this dish as it won't maintain its nice texture - eat it fresh or from the fridge instead.
Purple cabbage leaves arranged beautifully in a decorative serving dish, shown in close detail. Pin it
Purple cabbage leaves arranged beautifully in a decorative serving dish, shown in close detail. | cookingkitchn.com

Festive Flavor Boosters

  • Diced apples to add natural sweetness.
  • Cooked onions for richer flavor layers.
  • Peeled chestnuts for buttery nuttiness. These extras can turn your basic side into something worthy of holiday tables!

Top Reasons To Try This Dish

Fast Cooking
Ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
Simple Shopping
Only 4 basic ingredients needed.
Fits Any Occasion
Good for regular dinners or fancy celebrations.
Taste Winner
Sweet, tangy, buttery notes make everyone ask for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why slice cabbage thin?

Thinner slices cook more uniformly and become soft while still keeping their bite.

→ Can I use different vinegar?

Absolutely, try apple cider or red wine vinegar instead.

→ Why does cooking time vary?

Cabbage that's been stored longer might need extra time to soften compared to fresh.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Sure, it actually tastes better the next day. Just warm it up before you eat.

→ Is this dish served hot or cold?

Usually served hot, but many folks enjoy it at room temp too.

Braised Sweet Sour Cabbage

Authentic German-style cooked red cabbage balancing sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. An easy side ready in less than an hour.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Seasonal Favorites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: German

Yield: 4 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons butter.
02 1/2 large red cabbage, cut into slices.
03 2 tablespoons sugar.
04 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
05 Kosher salt.
06 Black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up a large pot on medium and let the butter melt completely.

Step 02

Put in your sliced cabbage and mix it with the melted butter.

Step 03

Cook it for about 5 minutes until it starts to wilt a bit.

Step 04

Toss the sugar over your cabbage and mix everything together.

Step 05

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and wait until it begins to bubble.

Step 06

Turn down the heat, put the lid on and cook between 30-45 minutes.

Step 07

Give it a stir every now and then until soft but still has some bite.

Step 08

Add salt and pepper how you like it.

Notes

  1. Classic dish from Germany.
  2. Tastes even better the next day.
  3. Perfect side for festive meals.
  4. Uses basic kitchen staples.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot with cover.
  • Good cutting knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 119
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 2 g