SWEET & TANGY CARAMELIZED CABBAGE
A perfect balance of sweetness and a little zest makes this caramelized cabbage a delightful side dish or light main course. Tender cabbage and onions simmer with apple cider vinegar, Dijon, and a touch of sugar for bold, craveable flavor in every bite.
CABBAGE & ONION BASE
As the onion and cabbage cook down, their sharp edges soften and their natural sugars develop into rich, savory sweetness. Caramelization brings out their depth and warmth, setting the stage for a bold, sweet-and-tangy finish.
SAVORY & SWEET
Apple cider vinegar adds a bright pop of acidity that cuts through the sweetness, while Dijon mustard brings just the right amount of tangy zest. A little sugar helps everything caramelize beautifully, and the simple seasoning of salt and pepper rounds it all out with a gentle, savory warmth.
SIMPLE STEPS TO MAKE THIS SWEET & TANGY CARAMELIZED CABBAGE
Thinly Slice Cabbage
Thinly Slice Onions
Add Remaining Ingredients and Sauté To Caramelize
Caramelized Cabbage Ingredients
STEP 1 – PREP THE VEGGIES:
Thinly slice the purple cabbage and yellow onion.
STEP 2 – START THE COOKING:
Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium.
Add the sliced cabbage and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
STEP 3 – ADD THE FLAVOR BOOSTERS:
Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
Stir well to combine.
STEP 4 – CARAMELIZE TO PERFECTION:
Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
Cook until everything begins to caramelize. Add more time as needed for deeper flavor.
STEP 5 – FINISH & SERVE:
Season to taste with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve warm as a flavorful side or light main dish.
TRADITIONAL RECIPE CARD
The Traditional Recipe Card is the most common way to view an online recipe but we encourage you to try our SIGNATURE ONE-PAGE RECIPE VIEW above. We think you will love the layout!
Our Traditional Recipe Card includes affiliate links to your local Walmart for easy shopping! Common ingredients are linked directly in the recipe card, so you can order them with a click. While we don’t earn a commission on food products, we may receive a small commission on other items—at no extra cost to you—helping us keep our recipe library growing.
Sweet & Tangy Caramelized Cabbage
Ingredients
- ½ Head Purple Cabbage
- 1 Yellow Onion
- Drizzle Olive Oil
- ⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Thinly slice cabbage and onion.½ Head Purple Cabbage, 1 Yellow Onion
- Drizzle olive oil in skillet and heat over medium-high.Drizzle Olive Oil
- Add cabbage and onion. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add remaining ingredients to skillet and mix well.⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 tbsp Sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Pepper
- Continue cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, until the mixture starts to caramelize. Add extra time if needed for deeper caramelization.
- Add additional salt & pepper, as needed to taste.
WATCH OUR
60-SECOND
VIDEO
FAQ'S FOR THIS SWEET & TANGY CARAMELIZED CABBAGE RECIPE
1. Can I use green cabbage instead of purple?
Yes, green cabbage works too, though it has a milder flavor and won’t offer the same vibrant color. The overall taste will still be sweet and tangy, just a bit less bold.
2. How do I know when the cabbage is fully caramelized?
Look for a golden-brown color and a soft, slightly sticky texture. It should smell rich and sweet, without any burnt edges.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
4. What can I serve with caramelized cabbage and onions?
It pairs well with roasted potatoes, grain bowls, lentil dishes, or as a topping for toast or veggie burgers.
