If the subject of this post doesn't make sense to you, then you probably don't cook with cabbage very often. But if you do, I have a feeling you have probably dealt with the leftover cabbage dilemma. Very few recipes call for an entire head of cabbage, so unless you happen to shop at one of those fantastic supermarkets that sell halved cabbage heads (or you're lucky enough to find a small cabbage), you're probably going to have some leftovers to use up afterwards. So here are 4 easy ways to use leftover cabbage—and they're all made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Roasted Cabbage Slices // Roasting makes everything taste better and cabbage is no exception. Cut your cabbage into 1-inch thick slices, brush them on both sides with olive or grapeseed oil, and season them with salt, pepper, and a few sprinkles of Italian seasoning. Put the cabbage slices on a baking sheet, and roast them at 400ºF for 30-40 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time. You'll know they're done when they're tender in the middle and browned and crispy on the edges.
Cabbage Stir Fry // This stir fry looks unassuming, but it's so good! Roughly chop half a head of cabbage and whisk together 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce, 1 teaspoon each of rice vinegar, honey, and toasted sesame oil, a few squeezes of sriracha, and a minced clove of garlic. Heat a large skillet or wok to medium high, then swirl it with oil to coat. Add the cabbage and a handful of raw cashews and cook until the cabbage is almost tender, about 5 minutes. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until the cabbage is soft and the sauce has reduced a bit. If you're serving this over rice or quinoa, you can double the sauce and if you have other veggies on hand that need to be used, you can throw those in with the cabbage too.
Baked Cabbage Chips // Cabbage can be made into chips! Just like kale! Although this recipe from Bon Appetit is for savoy cabbage, I've used it successfully with regular cabbage too. I like adding flavored salts to mine—curry and smoked paprika salt work especially well, although if you don't have flavored salts, plain salt and pepper is just as tasty.
Easy Cabbage Slaw // Cabbage slaw makes a great topping for barbecue tofu or tempeh sandwiches; I toss about a cup of shredded cabbage with a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. If you're having tacos, try making a slaw with freshly squeezed lime juice instead. When I have them on hand, I usually add thinly sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and cilantro too.
Do you have a favorite way to use leftover cabbage? Share it in the comments below!
So true, I could never use a whole head of cabbage for one meal! What?! Cabbage chips. Mind blown.
Who knew, right?! I found them a few months ago when I was looking for recipes to use up leftover cabbage and I've been hooked ever since. 🙂
Just did something very similar with cauliflower slices. Never tried it with cabbage but of course it has to be great.
I love roasting cauliflower slices too! Although cabbage slices are a little bit easier to keep in one piece. 🙂
Can't wait to try your cabbage slaw! I love finding ways to use left overs (aka take two ingredients). Thanks dear!
I love cabbage! I never heard of cabbage chips, yum! I love using cabbage in stir-fry, but so try you can't use an entire head of cabbage.
You should try making cabbage chips! 😀 They're so good and I'd say they're probably more kid-friendly than kale chips.
What great ideas! I love baking 'chips' such as kale chips and excited to here about cabbage chips!
I think cabbage chips are even better than kale chips! Kale chips are easier to make, but the cabbage ones are tastier, IMO.
We usually will make cabbage soup with the left overs!
I love cabbage soup too! I almost included it on this list. 🙂
Hi Kiersten!
Honestly your blog has been a life saver. I'm almost 16 and I'm vegetarian with a meat loving family. I get tired of food really easily; I have never been one to enjoy leftovers the next day. I swear my mom always buys me cabbage but makes it the same way. She makes it with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and its a little salad. I like how it tastes but I'm starting to get tired of it. I also like the cabbage chip idea; I really don't like kale much so I'll definitely have to try these out instead.
Thanks for the easy recipes!
I stopped eating meat when I was 12, so I know how difficult it is to fend for yourself in a house full of meat eaters! Definitely try the cabbage chips--they're a little bit of a pain to make, but they're really tasty. 🙂
Great variety of ideas! I'm always surprised at how much cabbage you can get out of one head, and like you said, you usually don't need nearly that much for whatever you bought it for! I'd love to try those roasted cabbage slices, or if I had a BBQ I bet they would be good cooked that way too
Ooh, I never thought of trying to grill cabbage, but that's a good idea! I have a little indoor grill--I might give that a try next time I have cabbage on hand.
I am ever so grateful for these recipes since I am always left with leftovers and don't know what to do with it. Thanks for teaching me how to make something healthy and delicious for myself instead of throwing it away.