Quick Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
Quick pickled red cabbage is a vibrant and tangy side that adds a burst of color and flavor to any meal. Ready in just over 30 minutes, this easy recipe transforms simple cabbage into a zesty, crunchy delight perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a condiment.
Ingredients
- ½ red cabbage (about 200g)
- 2 pared strips of orange zest
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp lightly crushed coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp sea salt flakes
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely slice the red cabbage, discarding the core, and place it in a non-reactive bowl along with the orange zest, bay leaf, and crushed coriander seeds.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the sea salt flakes, sugar, and white wine vinegar until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and use your hands to scrunch everything together for 1–2 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Step 4: Chill the pickled cabbage for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Tips & Variations
- For extra bite, add a pinch of chili flakes to the vinegar mixture.
- Try substituting white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin cabbage slices to ensure consistent pickling.
Storage
Store the pickled cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cabbage will soften as it sits but will develop deeper flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage that’s already shredded?
Yes, pre-shredded red cabbage works well for this recipe and can save prep time. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp for the best texture.
How long does the pickled cabbage keep its crunch?
The cabbage will start to soften after a day but typically retains a good crunch for up to three days when chilled. After that, it becomes more tender but still delicious.
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Quick Pickled Red Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of pickled cabbage 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and colorful quick pickled red cabbage recipe that combines the sharpness of white wine vinegar with the aromatic hints of orange zest, bay leaf, and coriander seeds. This easy-to-make condiment softens quickly and adds a vibrant crunch to sandwiches, salads, and grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Pickling Ingredients
- ½ red cabbage (about 200g)
- 2 pared strips of orange zest
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp lightly crushed coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp sea salt flakes
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Finely slice the red cabbage, making sure to discard the core as it is too tough for pickling.
- Combine aromatics: Place the sliced cabbage in a non-reactive bowl along with the orange zest strips, bay leaf, and crushed coriander seeds.
- Make pickling mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sea salt flakes, sugar, and white wine vinegar until the sugar and salt are partly dissolved.
- Mix cabbage with pickling liquid: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and aromatics. Use your hands to scrunch and massage everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften and release some juice.
- Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. The pickled cabbage will continue to soften and develop flavor and can be kept chilled for up to a week.
Notes
- The pickled cabbage gets softer and more flavorful the longer it marinates, but it is best enjoyed within one week.
- Use a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic) to avoid any metallic taste from the vinegar reacting with metal bowls.
- This quick pickle is excellent served as a topping for tacos, burgers, salads, or as a side condiment for grilled meats.
- Adjust sugar and salt according to taste preference for more or less sweet and salty balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: quick pickled cabbage, pickled red cabbage, easy pickled veggies, red cabbage condiment, tangy cabbage pickle, no-cook pickling
