Description
This Quick Pickled Cabbage recipe offers a vibrant and tangy way to enjoy red cabbage with a crisp texture and a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Perfect as a quick condiment or a flavorful addition to meals, this easy-to-make pickle uses simple ingredients and takes just 10 minutes, with extended marinating enhancing the taste.
Ingredients
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (240ml)
- 1 cup filtered water (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (about 11g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (coconut sugar, cane sugar, or brown sugar, 12g)
- A handful of peppercorns
- Optional: additional flavorings like cumin seeds, jalapeño
Vegetables
- ½ head red cabbage, chopped (about 550g)
- Optional: lime slices for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickling Brine: In a pot, combine the apple cider vinegar, filtered water, sea salt, sugar, peppercorns, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Maintain the boil for 2 minutes to fully dissolve the salt and sugar and infuse the flavors.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped red cabbage to the boiling brine. Let it boil together with the cabbage for 2 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly while retaining its crunch.
- Transfer to Jar: Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 1 minute. Pour the hot mixture into a mason jar large enough to hold all the ingredients with the cabbage fully submerged. Add lime slices if using and swirl gently to combine all elements.
- Cooling and Marinating: Allow the pickled cabbage to cool completely to room temperature before closing the jar. You can enjoy the pickled cabbage immediately once cooled, but letting it sit for several days enhances the flavor development. It keeps well for several weeks refrigerated.
- Enjoy: Serve your quick pickled cabbage as a flavorful side or condiment on sandwiches, tacos, salads, or your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Using cucumbers instead of cabbage is an option; pack sliced cucumbers into jars and pour cooled brine over them for a crisp pickle.
- Do not add cucumbers directly to boiling brine to maintain crunch.
- Optional seasonings like cumin seeds or jalapeños can customize the flavor to your preference.
- Pickled cabbage is best after marinating for at least 3 days but stays flavorful up to a week or more refrigerated.
- Use a mason jar or airtight container for optimal storage and longevity.