Learn how to cook sweetheart cabbage (pointed or hispi cabbage). This is the simplest and probably most delicious way of cooking it.
Cooking sweetheart cabbage is easy and incredibly satisfying - cabbage is one of the best-tasting vegetables. I loved it as a child, and I love it now even more. And this sweetheart cabbage recipe is one of the simplest and best ways of cooking it.
If you are looking for more tasty recipes, try the Simple White Cabbage Salad or Stewed Cabbage; they are all delicious.
Featured comment
Angela: I just ate sweetheart cabbage for the first time using this recipe, and was delighted with the dish. I will certainly be cooking it again as a tasty, easy and quick meal!
Thank you so much for your clear, easy-to-follow instructions and helpful information, and your generosity in sharing the recipe in the first place.
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What is sweetheart cabbage?
Pointed cabbage, also called hispi or sugarloaf, is green with a tapered head. It's sweeter and more tender than regular green or white cabbage, but sturdier than napa, making it great for salads or quick cooking - try it steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or roasted.
Buy it: Choose fresh, crisp heads with a bright green color and a firm feel. Slightly damaged outer leaves are normal - just peel them off before cooking. Avoid wilted or limp cabbage; itโs a sign itโs past its prime.
Store whole cabbage: It doesnโt last as long as white cabbage. Store it in the vegetable drawer of your fridge and use it within a week. Check it regularly to make sure itโs still fresh.
- Cut pieces: Wrap leftover wedges tightly in cling film and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze it: Chop, blanch for 3 minutes, drain, cool, and pack into freezer bags. It will keep for up to 6 months.
Recipe ingredients
Cabbage: I used a small head, about 900 g (2 lb). If yours is larger, store the leftover cabbage in the fridge and use the crisp leaves in salads, soups, or stir-fries. You can also use sweetheart cabbage to make this Eggs and Cabbage Recipe.
Other ingredients: Olive oil, butter, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Bacon: Cook one small onion and 3โ4 slices of bacon until the fat renders and the onion turns golden. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves, stir for a minute, then add the cabbage and continue with the recipe. Check out Fried Cabbage with Bacon, too.
Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. I often add a pinch of caraway seeds.
Leave the soy sauce and use other spices; I like dried thyme, summer savory, or fresh dill or parsley. And consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of good balsamic vinegar at the end (to taste); I love using it!
How to cook sweetheart cabbage?
Chop it
Step #1: Halve the cabbage.
Step #2: Remove the core, making a V-shaped cut around it.
Step #3: Cut the halves into quarters.
Step #4: Shred by cutting diagonally across the cabbage wedges into thin slices.
Tip: Use a large, sharp chef's knife.
Cook it
Step #5: Heat the butter and oil in a pan until the butter has melted.
Step #6: Add cabbage and stir well to coat.
Step #7: Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, reducing to medium-low if the slices start to stick. They should be lightly browned and crispy-tender, not mushy.
Step #8: Add soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust the taste.
How to store and reheat cooked cabbage?
Fridge: The cooked sweetheart cabbage keeps well in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Let cool at room temperature. Place in freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheat in a (nonstick) pan on the stovetop. Add a splash of water and often stir until the food is hot.
What to serve with it?
Serve it as is with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, rice, or pasta. Simple, healthy, and delicious!
Serve it as a side dish for most meat, chicken, or fish dishes you can think of.
Do you like this recipe?
Please leave a good rating in the recipe card below. Stay in touch through social media: Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Donโt forget to tag #whereismyspoon when you try a recipe!Recipe
How to Cook Sweetheart Cabbage
Equipment
- Large nonstick or cast-iron pan
Ingredients
- 1 small sweetheart cabbage about 2 lbs/ 900 g
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Note 1
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce Note 2
- 1 pinch of fine sea salt Note 3
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Prepare cabbage: Remove the outer leaves, rinse, and dry the vegetable. Halve the head, then cut it into quarters. Remove the core, making a V-shaped cut around it. Discard it. Shred the wedges into thin slices by cutting diagonally across them.1 small sweetheart cabbage
- Cook: Heat butter and olive oil in the pan. Let the butter foam just for a few seconds. Add the cabbage and stir well. Cook for 8 minutes on medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low if the cabbage starts to stick or colors too quickly. Cook until lightly browned, crispy tender, but not too soft or mushy.2 tablespoons unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add soy sauce and stir for another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Adjust the taste with a pinch of salt (it might not be necessary, soy sauce is salty) and some black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.1 pinch of fine sea salt + freshly ground black pepper + 1-2 tablespoons parsley
Notes
- Add bacon: Cook a small onion and 3-4 slices of bacon until the fat renders and the onion is golden. Stir in 2 chopped garlic cloves for a minute, then add the cabbage and carry on with the recipe. If you use bacon, use less butter and oil as the bacon will also render some fat.ย
- Alternative seasoning: Skip the soy sauce and season with dried thyme, summer savory, or fresh dill or parsley. Just before serving, add 1-2 teaspoons of good balsamic vinegar to taste.
- Heat: You can add some red pepper flakes, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper.
Helene Hayes says
Where do you buy sweetheart cabbage in NY city? Iโve been looking all over. Thanks
Adina says
Hi Helene. I am afraid, I can't help, I live in Germany. We get it in any grocery store here.
angela says
I just ate sweetheart cabbage for the first time using this recipe, and was delighted with the dish. I will certainly be cooking it again as a tasty, easy and quick meal!
Thank you so much for your clear, easy-to-follow instructions and helpful information, and your generosity in sharing the recipe in the first place.
Adina says
Thank you for the feedback, Angela. I am happy you liked it.
Charlie says
Really tasty. Whole family enjoyed it.
mjskitchen says
Like you, I love cabbage, but the husband - not so much. Have never seen a sweetheart cabbage, but the texture sound like one might be able to substitute savoy cabbage which is very common here. Love this recipe.