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How to Microwave Cabbage

Perfectly cooked cabbage made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing a tender and flavorful side dish. This method ensures evenly cooked cabbage, ideal for adding to stir-fries, soups, or enjoying on its own.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

1-2 mins
1 reviews

Free Time

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How to Microwave Cabbage

1 reviews

Cooking cabbage in the microwave is both a no-brainer and a game changer. When you steam cabbage this way, you lock in its nutrients and keep those flavors bright, without turning it into a sad, mushy mess. Just a few minutes and you’ve got perfectly tender cabbage that can shine on its own as a side or bring a fresh, crisp texture to a variety of dishes. For anyone mindful about what they eat, this is a clever, quick way to keep meals both healthy and delicious.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Cooking cabbage in the microwave is both a no-brainer and a game changer. When you steam cabbage this way, you lock in its nutrients and keep those flavors bright, without turning it into a sad, mushy mess. Just a few minutes and you’ve got perfectly tender cabbage that can shine on its own as a side or bring a fresh, crisp texture to a variety of dishes. For anyone mindful about what they eat, this is a clever, quick way to keep meals both healthy and delicious.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup sliced cabbage
  • 1 cup sliced cabbage
  • 2 cups sliced cabbage
  • 4 cups sliced cabbage
  • 6 cups sliced cabbage
  • 8 cups sliced cabbage
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Small Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (80g) shredded cabbage, red or green
  • 1 teaspoon water, stock, butter or olive oil

Preparation

  1. Place the sliced cabbage in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
  2. After straining, season to taste and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Suggestions

  • Cheesy Buffalo: season with Buffalo-style hot sauce, chives, and crumbled blue cheese, or feta cheese
  • Cacio e pepe: toss in some parmesan or pecorino cheese, lots of ground black pepper and olive oil
  • Crispy bacon and mustard: Add some chopped crispy bacon, grain mustard, olive oil and lemon juice
  • Caesar style: add some Caesar dressing, chopped chives, shaved parmesan, and croutons.

Recipe Notes

  • Use any kind of cabbage thinly sliced or diced.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Cabbage

See for yourself— microwaving cabbage is simply faster, start to finish. *Includes preheat time

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 2-3 mins
Oven* 15-20 mins
Stovetop* 10-15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Cabbage

How long does take to cook cabbage in the microwave?

Ingredient Water Cook Time
1 cup (80g) shredded cabbage, red or green 1 teaspoon water, stock, butter or olive oil 1-2 mins
2 cups (160g) shredded cabbage, red or green 1 teaspoon water, stock, butter or olive oil 1-2 mins
4 cups (320g) shredded cabbage, red or green 2 teaspoons water, stock, butter or olive oil 4-5 mins
6 cups (480g) shredded cabbage, red or green 1 tablespoon water, stock, butter or olive oil 6-7 mins
8 cups (640g) shredded cabbage, red or green 1 1/2 tablespoons water, stock, butter or olive oil 10-11 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

It typically takes around 1-2 minutes per cup of sliced or shredded cabbage to cook in the microwave. To tell when the cabbage is cooked through, look for a shiny more vibrant color, and wilted but still slightly crunchy texture. You can also test it by taking a small bite; it should be tender but not mushy.

Is steaming a good way to cook cabbage?

Yes! and for several reasons. Steaming helps preserve the cabbage's nutritional value, including essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and folate. It maintains the cabbage's natural flavor and texture, ensuring it remains crisp yet tender. This low-calorie cooking approach is perfect for those conscious of their calorie intake. Steaming is also quick and convenient, taking just a few minutes to achieve the desired tenderness.

Can I cook different cabbages together?

Yes! red and green cabbage, as well as Napa, or savoy have very similar cooking times. As long as they are cut the same way, the cooking time should work for either kind. Keep in mind that cooking red cabbage with other types might turn the lighter color one pink or purplish.

Do I need to wash cabbage before cooking?

It is always recommended to wash cabbage throughly before cooking. It is easier to rinsed cabbage after it has been shredded, sliced or diced to ensure all hidden dirt can be removed.

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