Pickled Red Cabbage (Quick Pickle)

Pickled Red Cabbage is the perfect topping for so many dishes. This tart and spicy condiment is quick to make and keeps in the refrigerator for weeks. Great for tacos and burgers!

Pickled Red Cabbage

Cabbage seems to get a bad rap. Everyone complains that it is hard to cook and the kids say they don’t like it more than broccoli!

Me, I love it! Especially the purple cabbage. It lends a nice pink color to dishes and has a subtle flavor.

I usually do a quick sauté with a touch of balsamic vinegar for a side dish for dinner. In planning a recipe, I was looking for the perfect topping for it. The only thing that came to mind was red cabbage!

The color and crispness the cabbage adds was exactly what I was looking for. Wanting a hint of tartness to round out the recipe, I thought pickling the cabbage would be the best way.

Keep reading to see how it turned out. And look at these pickled red onions too!

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Ingredients Needed

Red Cabbage – You can use green cabbage but it’s not as pretty!

Jalapeno- I like to use fresh ones. Just be sure to remove the ribs and seeds or it will be very spicy!

Rice Wine Vinegar – If you don’t have it feel free to use plain white distilled vinegar.

Mustard Seeds – These are optional but I really love the tangy flavor that add to the recipe. I found yellow mustard seeds in my local market but the brown ones are great too. I usually order mine online.

Pantry Staples – Salt, sugar, garlic, ginger.

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How to make Pickled Red Cabbage

First: Place the shredded cabbage, ginger root, mustard seed, garlic clove, and jalapeno in a glass jar.

Second: Heat the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until boiling.

Third: When the vinegar comes to a boil, gently add the vinegar over the cabbage and spices. Be sure to leave 1/2 inch space at the top of the jar.

Fourth: Let cool for 10 minutes. Cover and keep in your fridge for up to two weeks. I like to wait at least 24 hours before using the cabbage so it has time to infuse with all the vinegar and spices.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Is purple cabbage good for you?

Oh, but let me tell you!  Not only does it have less than 20 calories per half cup serving, but it is full of vitamins, minerals, and compounds that help guard against the effects of radiation, it may also help guard you from cancer*.

Cabbage is also great for helping with digestion and fermented versions like sauerkraut have tons of probiotics.

It is said that the purple cabbage has a powerful antioxidants!! You better start eating more of it pronto.

Red Cabbage vs Purple Cabbage

Purple and red cabbage are the same they just vary in depth of color based on the acidity of the soil so don’t stress about that!  Just know that cabbage is good for you. 

Red cabbage has 10 times more Vitamin A than green cabbage and double the iron. Not only does the cabbage have plenty of health benefits, it tastes great, has a beautiful color that pops when added to recipes, and is hearty enough to stand up to various types of cooking.

I love to serve it roasted in wedges, chopped up in slaw, and pickled! Now that I have made this quick pickled red cabbage, I keep finding uses for it.

I love this pickled cabbage on so many dishes. It’s one of my favorite condiments and I always have a jar in the fridge. Right next to my Alabama White Sauce, Blooming Onion Dipping Sauce, and my Taco Pickles!

Uses for Pickled Red Cabbage

• tacos
• hot dogs
• hamburgers
• scrambled eggs
• spring rolls

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• if you are worried about putting a warm jar in the fridge, cool completely before chilling.
• it’s ready to eat after a few hours but I like to wait a full 24 hours before trying.
• make sure the jalapeno, ginger, and garlic are thinly sliced.
• use a sharp knife when slicing or use a mandoline slicer.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

More Easy Appetizers

• Wonton Tacos
• Reuben Sauce
• Reuben Skewers

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