Alright, cabbage crusaders, let’s keep it quick! Cabbage: it’s cheap, it’s versatile, and it’s about to make your meal prep rock.
We’ll speed-run through choosing it, storing it, slicing it, and cooking it to perfection. Get ready to turn that leafy globe into your kitchen’s MVP. Chop-chop, let’s get to it!
1. Choosing the Right Cabbage
The first step in meal-prepping cabbage is selecting the right one for your needs. There are several types of cabbage available, including green cabbage, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, and Napa cabbage.
Each variety has its own unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
When choosing a cabbage, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid cabbages with browning or discolored leaves, as this may indicate spoilage.
2. Storing Cabbage
To keep your cabbage fresh and crisp for longer, it’s important to store it properly. Before storing, remove any loose or damaged outer leaves.
Whole cabbages can be stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to two weeks. However, once you’ve cut into a cabbage, it’s best to use it within a few days.
If you have leftover shredded or chopped cabbage from a meal prep session, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. Proper storage will help maintain its freshness and prevent wilting.
3. Prepping Whole Cabbage
If you plan on using whole cabbage leaves for wraps or stuffed cabbage dishes, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you prep them:
- Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves.
- Place the cabbage on a cutting board with the stem end facing down.
- Using a sharp knife, cut around the core to remove it.
- Gently separate the cabbage leaves, being careful not to tear them.
- Rinse the leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the leaves dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
4. Shredding Cabbage
Shredded cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, slaws, stir-fries, and more. Here’s how you can easily shred cabbage:
- Cut the cabbage in half through the stem.
- Place one half of the cabbage cut-side down on a cutting board.
- Slice the cabbage crosswise into thin strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- Repeat with the other half of the cabbage.
5. Chopping Cabbage
If you prefer chopped cabbage for certain recipes, such as soups or stir-fries, follow these steps:
- Cut the cabbage in half through the stem.
- Place one half of the cabbage cut-side down on a cutting board.
- Slice the cabbage lengthwise into thin strips.
- Rotate the cabbage 90 degrees and slice it crosswise to create small, bite-sized pieces.
- Repeat with the other half of the cabbage.
6. Blanching Cabbage
Blanching cabbage is a great technique to preserve its vibrant color and crispness. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Cut the cabbage into wedges or desired size.
- Place the cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cabbage to the ice bath to cool rapidly and stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, remove the cabbage from the ice bath and pat it dry before using or storing.
7. Roasting Cabbage
Roasting cabbage brings out its natural sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized flavor. Follow these steps to roast cabbage:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices.
- Place the cabbage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cabbage and season with salt and pepper, or your favorite spices.
- Toss the cabbage to evenly coat it with oil and seasoning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned around the edges.
8. Stir-Frying Cabbage
Cabbage is a great addition to stir-fries because it retains its crunch even when cooked. Here’s how to stir-fry cabbage:
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
- Add the sliced or shredded cabbage to the hot pan.
- Toss the cabbage continuously with a spatula or tongs for 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
- Season with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or any other desired seasonings.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
9. Meal Prep Recipe Ideas
Now that you know how to prep and cook cabbage, let’s explore some delicious meal prep ideas:
Asian-inspired Slaw
Mix shredded cabbage with grated carrots, sliced bell peppers, chopped scallions, and a dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. This slaw can be enjoyed as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Cabbage Soup
In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite herbs and spices. Simmer until the vegetables are tender for a comforting and nutritious soup option.
Cabbage Wraps
Fill blanched cabbage leaves with a mixture of ground meat (such as turkey or beef), rice, diced vegetables, and seasonings.
Roll them up and secure with toothpicks, then bake or steam until heated through. These cabbage wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick and healthy grab-and-go meal.
Final Thoughts
Wrap up your meal prep with a bang using cabbage! It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and boy, does it jazz up any dish. Stir-fries, soups, or salads – you name it, cabbage rocks it.
Follow these tips, get wild with your flavors, and make your meal prep pop with this crunchy powerhouse!
FAQs
How do I choose the right cabbage?
When selecting a cabbage, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid cabbages with browning or discolored leaves, as this may indicate spoilage.
How should I store cabbage?
To keep your cabbage fresh and crisp, store it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves before storing them. Once you’ve cut into a cabbage, use it within a few days.
How do I chop cabbage?
If you prefer chopped cabbage for recipes like soups or stir-fries:
- Cut the cabbage in half through the stem.
- Place one half of the cabbage cut-side down on a cutting board.
- Slice the cabbage lengthwise into thin strips.
- Rotate the cabbage 90 degrees and slice it crosswise to create small, bite-sized pieces.
- Repeat with the other half of the cabbage.
What is blanching cabbage?
Blanching cabbage helps preserve its color and crispness:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Cut the cabbage into wedges or desired size.
- Place the cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the cabbage to the ice bath to cool rapidly.
- Pat the cabbage dry before using or storing.
How do I roast cabbage?
To roast cabbage for a caramelized flavor:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).2. Cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices.
- Place the cabbage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cabbage and season with salt and pepper or your favorite spices.
- Toss to evenly coat the cabbage.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
