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Pickled Red Cabbage

Pickled Red Cabbage

This easy Pickled Red Cabbage recipe delivers a vibrant, crunchy, and tangy addition to any meal. Featuring fresh red cabbage pickled in a balanced brine of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices, it’s quick to prepare and packed with color and flavor. Perfect for garnishing sandwiches, salads, or as a refreshing side, this healthy and versatile recipe enhances your dishes with a bright, bold taste and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium red cabbage, fresh and crisp

Pickling Brine

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Optional Spices

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Wash the red cabbage thoroughly, then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice it thinly into even, crisp strips ready for pickling.
  2. Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
  3. Pack the Cabbage and Spices: Place the sliced cabbage into a clean glass jar or bowl. Add optional spices such as mustard seeds, peppercorns, or bay leaves if desired for added flavor.
  4. Pour the Hot Brine: Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the cabbage, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Press down lightly to remove air pockets and enhance flavor absorption.
  5. Let It Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour for quick pickling, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh red cabbage for the best crunch and vibrant color.
  • Slice the cabbage thinly and evenly to ensure faster pickling and better flavor absorption.
  • Pouring hot brine slightly softens the cabbage and speeds up the pickling process.
  • Keep the cabbage fully submerged under the brine to prevent spoilage.
  • Taste the pickled cabbage after 1 hour and again after 24 hours to find your preferred level of tanginess.
  • Use glass jars for pickling as they are non-reactive and perfect for acidic ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled red cabbage, quick pickled cabbage, tangy cabbage, crunchy cabbage garnish, easy pickle recipe, vegan pickled vegetables