Instant Pot Cabbage

Name: Instant Pot Cabbage
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 head cabbage; 1/4 cup butter (about 4 tbsp); 1 cup broth; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt ( to taste)

Published on Sep 15, 2024. Updated on May 31, 2026. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 2 Comments

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This instant pot cabbage recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is so hassle-free! Learn the fastest and easiest way to make delicious tender cabbage in an instant pot.

This instant pot cabbage recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients. It's ready in little time, so it's a great side for weeknight dinners.

The cabbage is cooked and seasoned perfectly, and it's a great way to use up a lot of spare cabbage. This recipe is also gluten-free and low carb which is perfect for those on a keto diet.

Equipment used

You need an instant pot pressure cooker for this simple recipe. The instant pot is an electric pressure cooker that cooks ingredients super fast with less monitoring. I just set the timer, press start, and let the instant pot do its work.

My 6 quart instant pot is an amazing appliance I use several times a week. I can say that it is one of the best investments in my kitchen.

Ingredients Used

You only need a few ingredients for this easy recipe.

Raw Cabbage: I use one medium head of green cabbage for this recipe. You can get yours from the veggie section of your local grocery store.
Butter: I use unsalted butter for this recipe. This way, I can closely monitor how much salt I use.
Broth: You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for more flavor in the dish. You can use water if you don't have any, but add more spices for taste.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

How To Make Instant Pot Cabbage

First, prepare the cabbage. Peel the outer leaves until you have fresh leaves. Rinse the fresh cabbage under running water and then pat it dry.
Next, cut the cabbage into four parts, then remove the core of the cabbage from each. The core is also called the stem.
Lay each quarter flat-side-down and then cut and chop it roughly into smaller pieces with a sharp knife.
Add the butter, spices, and a cup of broth to the instant pot. Then, add the chopped cabbage on top.
Close the lid of the instant pot and make sure it is set to 'sealing'. Set the instant pot to manual and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
When done, let it naturally release for one minute by turning the venting knob at the top, then quickly release the remaining pressure.
Use a slotted spoon to take the cabbage out and serve.

Storing and Reheating

Store the leftover cabbage in a shallow airtight container in the fridge for five days. It will remain fresh within this time.

To preserve the cabbage for longer, you can store it in a covered airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for about ten months. If you freeze soft cabbage, it will become a lot mushier. So if you want it just a bit tender, do not freeze it.

If you have a lot leftover, store it in portion sizes so you won’t have to reheat everything to remove some. If frozen, put the cabbage in the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat leftover cabbage in a skillet or frying pan until hot.

What can I eat this recipe with?

Enjoy this instant pot cabbage as a quick standalone or side dish. Serve it with some smoked sausage, shrimp, bacon, turkey, or ground beef. Instant pot buttered cabbage makes a great meal with corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day!

Pair this recipe with these delectable dishes:

Tips and Variations

This cooking time is for one medium head of cabbage cooked tender with some texture. Adjust the time if you want it either softer or crunchier, considering the size of your cabbage.
Make vegan instant pot cabbage by using vegetable stock.
Add your favorite herbs to this recipe to mix things up.
If you use salted butter or chicken stock, make sure to taste before adding salt.

Frequently asked questions

Can you overcook cabbage?

Yes, it’s possible to overcook cabbage. Cabbage becomes pasty and limp when cooked for too long, with an unpleasant smell. The smell comes from the sulfur compound it releases when overcooked.

How long do you cook cabbage?

Generally, aim to cook cabbage for about four to six minutes in the instant pot. However, this largely depends on the size of your cabbage and your preferred level of doneness.
Cook for four to five minutes if you want your medium-sized cabbage to retain a bit of crunchiness. For tender cabbage that’s not mushy, aim for six.

How do I cook cabbage without a pressure cooker?

If you don’t have an instant pot, you can steam cabbage on the stovetop or microwave oven. Add ¼ inch of water to a microwave bowl and steam on high for six to seven minutes. Then drain the water and add your spices. Steam in a colander in a pot for about five to seven minutes, then spice it up and enjoy.

Need some more instant pot recipes? Next time, try these!

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