This Buttered Cabbage is a healthy low carb replacement for noodles that’s quick and easy to make. Tender cabbage is shredded, flavored with onions and garlic, then braised in a buttery sauce. 

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Buttered Cabbage Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Buttered Cabbage
• 🔪 How to Make Buttered Cabbage Noodles
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve Buttered Cabbage With
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What kind of butter is best for cabbage?
• What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking cabbage?
• How to cut cabbage for buttered cabbage?
• What is the origin of buttered cabbage?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Side Dish Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Buttered Cabbage Recipe

• Tender shredded cabbage
• Braised with butter, onions and garlic
• Healthy low carb replacement for noodles
• Quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any protein

Cabbage is one of the healthiest, but also most versatile veggies you can eat. There are so many way to prepare it, all easy and all delicious. This Buttered Cabbage recipe is one of the most simple that I've ever made.

It's perfect when you're not looking to make a main dish out of it, though you could add in a protein and do that, but it's meant to be a quick, easy and uncomplicated side. And that's exactly what this is, easy, but still delicious.

Pair it with just about any protein that you like, and dinner is served! I've listed some of my favorite options down below.

🛒 Ingredients for Buttered Cabbage

• Cabbage
• Butter
• Vegetable broth
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet

🔪 How to Make Buttered Cabbage Noodles

Wash, dry and slice your cabbage into thin strips.

Heat a large skillet to medium low and add in half the butter, onions, half the salt and pepper.

Sauté until tender, then add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add in the cabbage, remaining salt and pepper.

Stir to combine, then cover with a lid and braise for 5-6 minutes or until the cabbage reaches your desired texture.

Remove the lid and add in the remaining butter.

Then once melted stir and it’s ready to serve.

💡 Tips

• Don’t cut your cabbage too thin, but slice it in the same thickness and shape as egg noodles.  Which is what this dish is mimicking.
• I also would not take a shortcut and use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw, as it’s always shredded thinner than noodles would be.
• Braise it low and slow, don’t be tempted to cook it at a higher temperature. Cabbage is thin and cooks pretty quickly, and with the addition of the lid, which traps in the steam, it will cooks in no time.  If you raise the temperature, you run the risk of frying it, instead of braising it.  Fried cabbage is great, but not the purpose of this dish.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.

🍴 What to Serve Buttered Cabbage With

This easy side will pair well with just about any protein, but here are some of my favorite options:

• French Onion Meatloaf
• Pork Milanese
• Baked Cod with Lemon Beurre Blanc
• Easy Grilled Pork Chops

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• To add a hint of smoky flavor, you can add in a pinch of smoked paprika.
• For a little added heat, add in some red pepper flakes.
• If you want to turn this cabbage into a full meal, add in some smoked sausage, shrimp, ground beef or pork.  If you do, cook your protein in the skillet first, then remove it and sauté the onions, garlic, and continue with the rest of this recipe.  Then add the protein back in during the last 2 minutes of braising.

What kind of butter is best for cabbage?

I use unsalted butter in this recipe, because the salt is more easily controlled that way. I also use Kerry Gold brand, it's by far my favorite butter and I use it in everything, sweet or savory.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking cabbage?

Overcooking is probably the number one mistake people make in cooking cabbage. If you do overcook it, it will give you a texture that is fairly unpleasant and sort of mushy. It's best to undercook it slightly, give it a quick taste and you can cook it longer if you need to.

How to cut cabbage for buttered cabbage?

I first cut the entire head of cabbage in half, then cut each half in half, so you have quarters. From there, cut out the core and slice it length-wise, or the long way so that you get nice long noodle-like slices. And keep them as close to ½ inch as you can.

What is the origin of buttered cabbage?

It's an Irish dish traditionally steamed or boiled, then the butter is added. With this recipe, I've done a combination of all 3. So with the addition of the vegetable broth, it is a cross between braising and steaming, since the cabbage is never fully submerged. Half the butter is added initially when you sauté the onions and garlic, then the rest is added at the end. I find that works the best.

🍽️ More Healthy Side Dish Recipes

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Glazed Carrots
• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes