Cabbage Butter Recipe

Creamy Cabbage Butter Recipe: A Rustic Kitchen Wonder

Crisp cabbage dancing in golden butter creates a simple yet magical side dish that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Melted dairy coats each shredded leaf with rich, silky goodness.

Warm skillets welcome tender vegetable pieces that caramelize beautifully under gentle heat.

Salt and pepper whisper subtle enhancements across the plate.

Fresh herbs might add delightful green notes for adventurous cooks.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this classic comfort preparation.

You’ll want to serve this delectable companion alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a quick standalone treat.

FAQs About James Martin Cabbage Butter

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this cabbage butter recipe is vegetarian-friendly and contains only butter and cabbage.

  • Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While possible, butter provides the best flavor and traditional taste for this recipe. Margarine may alter the authentic texture and richness.

  • What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is recommended for its mild flavor and tender texture, but you can also use white or savoy cabbage with similar results.

  • How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?

The cabbage is ready when it turns soft and slightly translucent, with a tender but not mushy consistency, which typically takes about 10 minutes of cooking.

Why James Martin Cabbage Butter Is A Simple Favorite

  • Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a quick side dish.
  • Comfort Food Delight: Transforms humble cabbage into a rich, buttery treat that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light and satisfying.
  • Versatile Vegetable Upgrade: Elevates plain cabbage with a luxurious butter coating, creating a delicious side that complements many main courses from roasted meats to grilled proteins.
  • Quick Nutrition Boost: Delivers a healthy vegetable preparation that takes just minutes to prepare, packing flavor and nutrients into a simple cooking method.

Ingredients For James Martin Cabbage Butter

Main Ingredient:
  • Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious vegetable that forms the core of this simple side dish.
Dairy Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, silky texture for the cabbage.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall taste of the cabbage dish.

Steps To Make James Martin Cabbage Butter

Step 1: Melt Butter in Pot

Grab a spacious pot and set it on the stove over medium-low heat. Allow a generous amount of butter to slowly melt, creating a smooth, golden base for your delicious cabbage.

Step 2: Add Cabbage and Extra Butter

Carefully place the chopped cabbage into the pot, spreading it evenly across the melted butter. Take the remaining butter and dollop it right on top of the cabbage, ensuring every piece gets some buttery love.

Step 3: Cover and Simmer

Place a lid securely on the pot, trapping in all the wonderful flavors. Let the cabbage cook gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to become wonderfully tender and absorb the rich buttery goodness.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Once the cabbage reaches a perfect soft texture, pour the melted butter over the top. Use a gentle motion to toss the cabbage, making sure each piece gets evenly coated with the luxurious butter.

Step 5: Rest and Finish

Remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered. Let the cabbage rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the heat to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the buttery cabbage. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while it’s hot, revealing a simple yet incredibly delicious side dish that will delight your taste buds.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Cabbage Butter

  • Slice Evenly: Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-low temperature to prevent burning and ensure gentle, even caramelization.
  • Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for rich, clean flavor and better texture.
  • Rest for Perfection: Allow cabbage to sit covered after cooking to absorb remaining butter and enhance overall taste.
  • Season Smartly: Add freshly ground black pepper just before serving to preserve its aromatic qualities and prevent bitterness.

Creative Twists On James Martin Cabbage Butter

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that's equally rich and flavorful.
  • Herb-Infused Cabbage: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill during cooking to create an aromatic and herbaceous side dish.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their cabbage.
  • Cheesy Comfort: Grate parmesan or sprinkle nutritional yeast over the cabbage for a cheesy flavor profile that adds depth to the simple recipe.

Great Pairings With James Martin Cabbage Butter

  • Pair with Roasted Pork: Tender, juicy roasted pork complements the buttery cabbage perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of rich flavors and textures.
  • Match with Crisp Riesling: A chilled Riesling wine cuts through the butter's richness, offering a refreshing and slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory cabbage.
  • Serve with Crusty Sourdough: Warm, tangy sourdough bread provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the delicious melted butter, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Complement with Grilled Sausages: Hearty, smoky grilled sausages bring a robust protein element that balances the soft, buttery cabbage, making for a satisfying meal.

How To Store James Martin Cabbage Butter

  • Store leftover cabbage butter in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Warm refrigerated cabbage butter in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a small pat of butter to refresh the flavor and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to maintain texture and prevent burning.
  • While possible, cabbage tends to lose texture when frozen.
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Cabbage Butter Recipe

Cabbage Butter Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rustic cabbage butter brings hearty Czech countryside flavors to life with creamy, caramelized goodness. Rich European simplicity combines tender cabbage and smooth butter for a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 head green cabbage, shredded

Dairy:

  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 56 grams) butter, divided

Seasonings:

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over gentle, medium-low heat, creating a smooth, shimmering base.
  2. Carefully distribute chopped cabbage evenly across the melted butter, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
  3. Drizzle the remaining butter over the cabbage, allowing it to cascade and provide additional moisture and flavor.
  4. Secure the pot with a tight-fitting lid, trapping steam and heat to facilitate even cooking.
  5. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote uniform tenderness.
  6. Gently toss the cabbage to redistribute the melted butter and ensure complete coating.
  7. Remove from heat and let the cabbage rest, covered, for an additional 3 minutes to absorb residual warmth and flavors.
  8. Finish by sprinkling freshly ground black pepper across the surface for a subtle, aromatic kick.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and presenting a glossy, buttery appearance.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
  • Slice cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
  • Low and slow cooking prevents burning and helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 136
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 91 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 36 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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