This sweet and sour cabbage is the perfect easy yet tasty side dish. Red cabbage and a sweet apple are braised in sugar and vinegar, resulting in the most tender and delicious cabbage.

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We love a good cabbage recipe in our house and I’ve been searching for ways to add it to our meal rotation. I’m always drawn to red cabbage because of its vibrant color, like this vinegar coleslaw using red cabbage. So when I made this sweet and sour cabbage, I was in love.
Inspired by the German sweet and sour cabbage recipes I saw online, I made this recipe and I’ve been hooked ever since. There aren’t many ingredients and all you’ll need is a little patience while the cabbage takes time to braise on the stovetop.
Be sure to try my Instant Pot Cabbage or Creamed Cabbage with Sausage recipes too.
How to make sweet and sour cabbage
- First, gather your ingredients. Chop your head of cabbage into large chunks and chop a sweet apple. I like to use a Fuji apple in this recipe.




What to add to sweet and sour cabbage?
This cabbage is perfect as is, but you can make it your own by adding other ingredients.
- Try adding bacon or sausage for a smokey meaty flavor addition.
- Red pepper flakes if you like things a little spicy.
- Add carrots for a cabbage and carrot combo.
- Use green cabbage if that’s what you have on hand.
Notes on Sweet and Sour Cabbage
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid so the liquid stays inside the pot. Cabbage will release a good bit of liquid while it cooks.
- Keep the heat on medium-low and stir about every 20 minutes.
What should I serve this cabbage with?
Sweet and Sour Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 medium head red cabbage chopped into large chunks (about 6-7 cups)
- 1 sweet apple Fuji, honey crisp, etc
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Place the chopped cabbage, apple, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and allspice in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it over medium-low heat.
- Allow the cabbage to cook, over medium-low heat, for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat, serve, and enjoy.
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Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid so the liquid stays inside the pot. Cabbage will release a good bit of liquid while it cooks.
- Keep the heat on medium-low and stir about every 20 minutes.
Debbie
Saturday 19th of November 2022
How long does this keep in fridge
Tanya
Sunday 20th of November 2022
Hi Debbie, about 3-4 days.
Lorna
Saturday 5th of November 2022
this has an excellent balance of flavours. I like to saute the cabbage in a bit butter first but i give it 5 stars.
Tanya
Saturday 5th of November 2022
Thanks Lorna! I love the idea of adding some butter. I'm going to do that next time.
Karen Belue
Friday 2nd of September 2022
Do you have the instant pot instructions for this delicious-sounding recipe? I simply love cabbage! Thanks!
Tanya
Tuesday 6th of September 2022
Hi Karen, I actually haven't made this one in the pressure cooker mainly because of the amount of liquid in the recipe. Instant Pots require 1 cup of liquid while this recipe only has 1/2 cup. I prefer the slow braise for this one.
Pat
Sunday 10th of October 2021
I LOVE cabbage any way it's made. I will be trying this one. Thanks for sharing. Love watching you.