Cast-Iron Seared Purple Cabbage
You know I’m all about taking classic Southern sides and giving them a little twist. Today, we're talking about a simple yet bold way to prepare purple cabbage—seared to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. This is a perfect side dish that’s colorful, full of flavor, and easy to make. You get a gorgeous char, all while keeping the cabbage tender and slightly sweet. And the best part? It’s packed with nutrients!
Let’s get cooking, y’all!
- 1 small head of purple cabbage, sliced into 1-inch wedges (you can also cut it into thick strips if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, if you want extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (for a little sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, to help steam and soften the cabbage)
- 1 Prepare the Cabbage:Start by slicing your purple cabbage into thick wedges. You can also cut it into strips, but wedges give it a nice, rustic look and cook beautifully in the cast-iron skillet.
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Heat the Cast-Iron Skillet:Place your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let the oil heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking—this is when you’ll get the best sear.- 3
Sear the Cabbage:Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the cabbage wedges, cut side down. Let them sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them. The goal is to get a nice caramelized crust on the edges. You might hear a little sizzle, and that’s the magic happening!- 4
Flip and Add Flavor:After 3-4 minutes, flip the wedges to sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Once both sides are caramelized and slightly charred, drizzle the apple cider vinegar and honey over the cabbage. This will add a little tang and sweetness, balancing the rich flavor from the searing.- 5
Season and Steam (Optional):Sprinkle the cabbage with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Add about 1 tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid. This will help steam the cabbage and soften it further. Let it cook for another 4-5 minutes.- 6
Serve and Garnish:Once the cabbage is tender and has that beautiful charred exterior, remove it from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.- 7
Enjoy!Serve your seared purple cabbage as a side dish to anything from grilled meats to a simple rice pilaf. It’s the perfect addition to any meal!Some Helpful Tips- Crispness & Tenderness Balance: The key to getting that perfect sear without overcooking the cabbage is to keep the heat medium-high. You want a good char on the outside but still keep the cabbage tender and juicy on the inside.
- Use a Lid for Softness: Adding a touch of water and covering the pan lets the cabbage soften up without drying out. It also helps to retain that vibrant purple color.
- Sweetness: The honey adds just a hint of sweetness, but you can adjust it to your liking. If you like a little more sweetness, feel free to add a tad more!
- Smoked Paprika: This is the secret ingredient! It brings a smoky, earthy flavor that takes this dish to the next level. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but I highly recommend the smoked variety for the depth it adds.
- Serving Ideas: This cabbage pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roast pork, or even a hearty grain bowl. It's versatile enough to fit into any meal!
cast iron skillet, seared, seared cabbage, purple cabbageWhy You’ll Love This Cast-Iron Seared Purple Cabbage:
This cast-iron seared purple cabbage is a game-changer for a side dish. The caramelized edges bring out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the tangy vinegar and honey combo adds a delightful kick. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients—what’s not to love? The cast-iron skillet gives it that perfect sear, and the beautiful purple hue makes it look as good as it tastes. This is a side dish that’ll steal the show at dinner!
Chef Damaris PhillipsModern Twists on Southern ClassicsDamaris Phillips’s journey in the culinary world is anything but conventional. Known for her unique approach to Southern comfort food, she first captured the public’s attention as the winner of Food Network Star in 2013. From there, Damaris’s career took off, and today, she’s not just a chef but a dynamic personality who has hosted six different Food Network shows, including her current role on Outrageous Pumpkins. As a regular cast member on shows like Summer Baking Championship, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games, Damaris has become a beloved figure, known for her warm, accessible energy and her ability to connect with audiences like they’re part of her extended family.
Her second cookbook, New Fashioned, is on the way, continuing her exploration of Southern cuisine with a modern twist—offering new takes on the comfort food she’s always loved, with a focus on fresh ingredients and accessible flavors for today’s home cooks.
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