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Instant Pot Cabbage

Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage is an easy side dish that tastes delicious! Make this tender cabbage side dish in the instant pot in minutes.

buttered instant pot cabbage

You’ll love this instant pot cabbage!

All you need is just a few minutes of prep to make this easy cabbage side dish! The high pressure makes the cabbage tender and soft, and you really can’t go wrong with classic flavors like minced garlic, onion, and butter.

I was sold on the instant pot after making instant pot mac and cheese or the first time and couldn’t wait to try more recipes.

Cabbage in the instant pot is surprisingly delicious! If you love buttered cabbage or are looking for a new low carb side dish, this recipe will be your new favorite.

The instant pot cooks it in a fraction of the time and the cabbage comes out perfectly tender and delicious every time.

buttered instant pot cabbage

Ingredients to make buttered cabbage

  • green cabbage: red cabbage would not be a good substitute here as it is more bitter
  • yellow onion – sweet and mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery cabbage
  • garlic – minced fresh whole garlic cloves are always best
  • unsalted butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter so that I can add salt to taste
  • salt & pepper – to taste. You really want to use fresh ground black pepper if you have it
cooked buttered cabbage in the instant pot

How to make cabbage in the instant pot

Step 1: Core the cabbage and roughly chop into pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Turn the instant pot to sautee and add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Watch it carefully to avoid burning it as the pressure cooker cooks fast.

sliced onions, minced garlic, and butter inside an instant pot

Step 3: Add the vegetable broth and remaining butter to the instant pot, then place the chopped cabbage on top.

Step 4: Place the lid on the instant pot and set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Hit cancel, then do a quick release.

chopped cabbage in an instant pot

Step 5: Once the pin has dropped completely, remove the lid safely from the instant pot and add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Stir and serve the buttered cabbage with a slotted spoon.

What size cabbage to use

For this recipe, I used a small sized head of green cabbage. As you can see from the picture above, it only reaches about half way up the instant pot.

If you have a larger head of cabbage, here is how to adjust the recipe:

  • vegetable broth amount: stays the same. There is plenty of broth in this recipe.
  • butter: if you have a bigger cabbage head, consider adding another 1-2 tablespoons of butter to add more flavor.
  • cook time: stays the same. It will just take a little longer to come to pressure.
a spoon taking a scoop of buttered cabbage from the instant pot

Instant Pot Cabbage FAQs

How long does it take to cook cabbage in the instant pot?

This buttered cabbage cooks perfectly in around 7 minutes on high pressure. For firmer cabbage, decrease the instant pot time by 1-2 minutes. For softer cabbage, increase the pressure cook time by 1-3 minutes.

Can I use red onion instead?

I would not recommend red onion in this recipe. Yellow onion has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish.

Do I have to use vegetable broth?

No, you can use any kind of broth in this recipe. Chicken broth would work the same way.

Looking for more delicious cabbage recipes? You have got to try this cabbage stir fry!

a spoon taking a scoop of buttered cabbage from the instant pot
buttered instant pot cabbage

Instant Pot Cabbage

Joy Shull
Instant pot buttered cabbage is an easy side dish that tastes delicious!
4.44 from 41 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Instant Pot Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 134 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small head of green cabbage chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Turn the instant pot to sautee. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter along with the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Be careful not to burn.
  • Add the vegetable broth and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter the the instant pot
  • Place the chopped cabbage on top and put the lid on the instant pot. Set the instant pot to sealing.
  • Cook the cabbage on high (manual) for 7 minutes, press cancel, then do a quick release
  • Once the pin drops completely, remove the lid, and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh ground pepper is the best choice here! Serve with a slotted spoon. (see notes below for more tips)

Notes

1. If your head of cabbage is larger, you can add 1-2 more tablespoons of butter, but the vegetable broth should still be fine at 1 cup.
2. For softer cabbage, cook an additional 1-3 minutes on high pressure. For cabbage with more crunch, you can lower the time to 5-6 minutes, if you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 524IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite!Let us know how it was!

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