German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

July 10, 2020November 18, 2023

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Don’t wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

Table of Contents

German Red Cabbage Recipe

I tend to gravitate towards green cabbage more often than red cabbage; so when I found this Oktoberfest Red Cabbage Recipe in The Best of Country Cooking Cook Book, I was intrigued.

What I discovered is a home-run way to saute red cabbage. This recipe has green apples and sugar for a sweet flavor that is balanced out with white vinegar right before serving. Truth be told, you can leave out the vinegar if you’d like. I like it both ways.

This red cabbage recipe is simply seasoned with salt, pepper and ground cloves.

I love ground cloves. My Grandma always used her garden tomatoes to make the most delicious Homemade Ketchup recipe which also contains ground cloves. One sniff of the little canister, and my Grandma is back in my kitchen helping me.

Ingredient List

Olive Oil
Red Cabbage
Green Apples (tart apples)
Granulated Sugar
Salt and Black Pepper
Ground cloves
Water
White Vinegar

How to Make German Red Cabbage

Step by Step Instructions

Using a sharp knife, remove the outer leaves and stem from the cabbage. Shred the cabbage.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute over medium heat shredded red cabbage and chopped green apples for 4-5 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt.
Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover the pan, and continue to cook for 35-45 minutes or until tender.
Add vinegar and stir before serving.

Storage Instructions

Let cooked cabbage cool; transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the full instructions and ingredient list for German Red Cabbage, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Recipe FAQs

The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.

Recipe Variations

Use butter instead of olive oil.
Add a bay leaf for a little more flavor.
Substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for while vinegar.
Slice a medium onion, and add it to the cabbage as it cooks.

More Cabbage Recipes

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Creamy Cabbage

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.

Print Recipe

German-Style Red Cabbage

Don't wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: braised red cabbage, german braised red cabbage recipe, German red cabbage, german-style red cabbage, oktoberfest red cabbage, red cabbage and apples, red cabbage recipes, sauteed red cabbage

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 128kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 head red cabbage, shredded
2 green apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup water
1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; add the shredded cabbage and apples, and saute, stirring often for 4-5 minutes.
Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water; bring to the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid. Cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the cabbage is tender. Watch the mixture to make sure the liquid doesn't completely absorb and the cabbage doesn't burn.
Turn off the heat, and add vinegar. Stir to combine.

Notes

The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.
Love cabbage? Try Fried Green Cabbage with Bacon.

Nutrition

FAQs

Does red cabbage cook differently than green cabbage? ›

Red Cabbage vs.

Red and green cabbage can be used interchangeably in most recipes. The difference between cooking green cabbage and red cabbage is just one extra step. The compounds that give red cabbage its color, called anthocyanins, are water-soluble and will turn an unappetizing blue color when cooked.

What can you use when cooking red cabbage to retain the colour? ›

Lock in the colour by adding a touch of vinegar when cooking red cabbage in water. This stops the lovely deep purple hue from running.

How do you preserve cooked red cabbage? ›

Freeze the cooked, cooled red cabbage up to 3 months ahead, defrost completely, then reheat in a pan to serve. Wear rubber gloves when peeling red cabbage so your hands don't stain.

Can you buy braised red cabbage? ›

Suitable for Vegans. Free From: Artificial Colours, Artificial Flavours.

See Details ›

Which is healthier red cabbage or green cabbage? ›

In comparison to green cabbage, red cabbage contains 10x more vitamins, cancer-fighting flavonoids, and a winning amount of antioxidants which improve eye, teeth, bone, & immune health.

Is red cabbage healthier than regular cabbage? ›

But red cabbage has higher levels of some types of antioxidants than other types of cabbage. These nutrients are thought to help reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Get More Info Here ›

Why is vinegar added to red cabbage? ›

When you sauté red cabbage, the acids evaporate off and it can turn blue. All you have to do is add lemon juice or vinegar to bring back the bright red color. For this same reason, you may have seen a blue circle around the cherries in cherry muffins.

Tell Me More ›

What does lemon juice do to red cabbage? ›

Also do the same with water. Compare the results. Substances such as lemon juice and vinegar turn the cabbage juice red because they are acidic. Ammonia turns the cabbage juice into a blue/green color because it is a base, a material that tastes bitter and makes an acid neutral.

Keep Reading ›

Why do you soak red cabbage in water? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Can dogs eat red cabbage? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage. Not only is cabbage safe for dogs to eat, but they will also benefit from many of the nutrients in this lovely, leafy vegetable. Dogs can eat cabbage raw, cooked or air dried. Additionally, dogs can eat any kind of cabbage that you can, so your pup can eat green, red, and white cabbage.

Keep Reading ›

Can you just boil red cabbage? ›

Red cabbage can also be boiled. To preserve the crunch, cook in salted boiling water with a teaspoon of vinegar for 5 minutes unless a softer consistency is desired in which case cook for a little longer.

Why is my braised red cabbage bitter? ›

Why is my cooked cabbage bitter? The most common error in cooking cabbage occurs when it is over cooked or in water. You should be cooking it dry, as in no water. Use a good quality oil and caramelize your thinly sliced cabbage it will not get bitter.

Tell Me More ›

Why is red cabbage so expensive? ›

Cabbage is a crop that grows best during specific times, making it challenging for farmers. Additionally, it doesn't make much money as they usually only plant it when it's the right season. As a result, when cabbage is not in season, it becomes more expensive.

Know More ›

Why is my braised cabbage bitter? ›

One common reason is that the cabbage may have been overcooked. Overcooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds that can give it a bitter taste. Another possible reason is that the cabbage was not fresh. Old or spoiled cabbage can also taste bitter.

Know More ›

Does red cabbage taste different when cooked? ›

Red cabbage has a bolder, more peppery, and almost floral flavor as compared with regular green cabbage, which is milder and more vegetal. Cooking it tends to mellow the flavors, and it can also bring out sweet notes as well.

Read The Full Story ›

Can red cabbage be boiled like green cabbage? ›

How do you boil red cabbage? Red cabbage can also be boiled. To preserve the crunch, cook in salted boiling water with a teaspoon of vinegar for 5 minutes unless a softer consistency is desired in which case cook for a little longer.

Learn More ›

Does red cabbage taste the same as green cabbage when cooked? ›

Size And Taste

Aside from the noticeable difference in color, red cabbage has an earthier taste and bulbs are smaller and denser. Green cabbage tends to turn sweeter when it cooks and a little bigger in size than the red.