How to Make Perfect Boiled Cabbage with Butter

Buttered Cabbage Recipe for a Quick Comfort Meal

Whip up tender, buttery cabbage in minutes! This simple braised recipe transforms shredded green cabbage into a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth side dish.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 117

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1/4 cup butter divided
• 1 head green cabbage shredded
• ground black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the cabbage and top it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Uncover and stir the cabbage to coat it evenly in the melted butter.
2. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for approximately 3 minutes. Season with black pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g

Notes

Ingredient Swap: I love using a mix of butter and a splash of olive oil to start, as it prevents the butter from browning too quickly while adding a nice flavor base.

Storage: This keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and I find the flavors meld even more, making fantastic leftovers for grain bowls.

Make-

Ahead: You can slice the cabbage a day in advance and store it in a bag in the fridge, which makes throwing this together on a weeknight incredibly fast.

Common Mistake: Don't rush this by cranking up the heat.

Keeping it at a true medium-low and letting it steam in its own juices is what creates that wonderfully tender, sweet result.

Serving Suggestion: I often finish this with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of caraway seeds right at the end for a bright, aromatic lift.

Equipment: If you don't have a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, a Dutch oven or even a deep skillet with a piece of foil pressed over the top works perfectly.

Ever Stared at a Head of Cabbage and Felt Nothing But Dread?

I’ve been there. Honestly, we all have. It’s a Wednesday, you’re staring into the veggie drawer, and there it is. That pale green orb of potential boredom. My kids used to make actual gagging noises at the mere mention of it. I’m not going to lie, I felt defeated. But then I remembered my grandma Evelyn’s garage freezer, packed with future comfort, and her one rule: butter makes everything better. She was right. This boiled cabbage with butter is the ridiculously simple, no-fuss side dish that changed everything at my table. It’s the kind of thing that turns a boring winter vegetable into something you’ll actually crave. And I promise, if my picky eaters came around, yours will too.

Here’s the thing about boiled cabbage with butter. It sounds almost too basic to be good. But that’s the magic. In the middle of a chaotic weeknight, when you need something healthy, affordable, and ready in under 30 minutes, this is your answer. It’s tender, it’s rich, and it has this subtle sweetness that just works. Forget everything you think you know about soggy, bland cabbage. This method? It’s a game-changer for weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go Turn That Cabbage Into Comfort

So there you have it. The simplest, most satisfying way to turn a humble head of cabbage into a side dish everyone will ask for again. This boiled cabbage with butter is more than a recipe. It’s your secret weapon for busy nights, tight budgets, and winning over vegetable skeptics. When you serve this, watch those plates clean up. The first bite of that tender, buttery cabbage is pure weeknight magic.

I’d love to hear how it goes in your kitchen. Snap a pic of your perfect boiled cabbage with butter and tag me. Honestly, seeing your creations is my favorite part. Now go on. Your future delicious, stress-free dinner is waiting.