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Instant Pot cooked cabbage is one of those wonderfully simple side dishes that feels both homey and surprisingly versatile. A little butter, a splash of broth, and a quick pressure cook are all it takes to turn plain cabbage into a tender, silky, flavorful dish.
It’s a perfect accompaniment to sausages, corned beef, roasted chicken, or any meal that needs a warm, buttery vegetable on the side. This version cooks in minutes and delivers consistent results every time.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and dependable. The Instant Pot cooks cabbage evenly and perfectly tender every time.
Buttery and flavorful. A simple combination of butter, broth, and seasoning makes it rich and comforting.
Minimal prep. Just chop the cabbage and add everything to the pot.
Versatile side dish. Works with weeknight dinners or traditional comfort food meals.
Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage – Green cabbage works best; chop it into wedges or rough chunks.
- Butter – Adds richness and balances the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
- Chicken broth – Provides moisture and a gentle savory base; use low sodium if possible.
- Salt and pepper – Season lightly before cooking, then adjust to taste.
- Fresh herbs – Dill, parsley, or chives brighten the finished dish.
Steps to Make Instant Pot Cooked Cabbage
- Chop the cabbage and place it in the Instant Pot with the butter, salt, pepper, and broth.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook until the cabbage is tender.
- Do a quick release to stop the cooking.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, taste and adjust seasoning, and finish with fresh herbs.
Tips
- Cut the cabbage into even-sized chunks so it cooks uniformly.
- If your cabbage head is very large, cook it in two batches or pack it loosely.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning afterward to avoid oversalting.
- Add herbs right before serving to preserve their color and brightness.
- For extra richness, drizzle a little melted butter over the finished cabbage.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon version. Cook chopped bacon on sauté first, remove it, then cook the cabbage in the drippings and add the bacon back at the end.
- Garlic butter cabbage. Add 2–3 cloves of minced garlic along with the butter.
- Spicy cabbage. Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Vegetarian broth. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a meat-free side dish.
- Add an acidic ingredient. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sausage, corned beef, chicken, or pork chops.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or potato cakes for a hearty meal.
- Toss with cooked egg noodles or spaetzle for a quick main dish.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
- Garnish with extra herbs or a pat of butter for richness.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooked cabbage in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats well and stays tender.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended because cabbage becomes watery and mushy once thawed.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a small splash of broth or butter if needed.
Instant Pot Cooked Cabbage
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cabbage
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley (optional), for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and remove the outer leaves. Chop it coarsely and transfer it to the Instant Pot. Top with the butter and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and pepper. Add the chicken broth.2 pounds cabbage | 6 tbsp unsalted butter | Kosher salt | Freshly ground black pepper | 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, ensure it’s set to sealing, select the pressure cook function, and set the timer to 6 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked cabbage into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chives, chopped dill, parsley, or a combination of these.Fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
