Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering German-inspired dish that's both incredibly simple and explosively delicious? This Steamed Sweet Sour Cabbage recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, promising a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine a side dish so irresistible, it can turn even the most vegetable-skeptical family members into cabbage enthusiasts!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any damaged outer leaves. Chop the cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, creating a sweet and tangy liquid base.
- Place a large steamer basket inside a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket to prevent direct contact with the cabbage.
- Carefully transfer the chopped cabbage into the steamer basket, spreading it evenly to allow steam to circulate freely around the pieces.
- Pour the prepared vinegar mixture over the cabbage, ensuring it is distributed as evenly as possible.
- Cover the pot with the lid and heat over medium-high heat. Allow the cabbage to steam for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still retains a slight crispness.
- Occasionally lift the lid and gently stir the cabbage to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Check the tenderness with a fork.
- Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired consistency, remove from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb the remaining liquid.
- Transfer the steamed sweet sour cabbage to a serving dish, spooning any remaining liquid over the top for added flavor.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cabbage head for the best texture and flavor. Look for crisp leaves without any brown spots or wilting.
- Cut cabbage pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking. Inconsistent sizes can lead to some pieces being undercooked while others become mushy.
- Don't skip whisking the vinegar mixture thoroughly - this helps the sugar and salt dissolve completely, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
- Use a steamer basket with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook the cabbage evenly. If you don't have a steamer, a colander over boiling water can work as a makeshift alternative.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. 15-20 minutes is ideal, but cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of your cabbage pieces.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of apple juice to the vinegar mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. The cabbage tends to lose its vibrant color and crisp texture if left sitting too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
