Coconut Braised Cabbage (Printable)

Humble cabbage becomes a rich, comforting side dish with creamy coconut milk and warm spices. Great with rice, meats, or curries.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Spices & Aromatics

05 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
11 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
12 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes

# Directions:

01 - Heat coconut oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, chili flakes, and black pepper; sauté for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
05 - Add the sliced cabbage and salt. Toss well to coat the cabbage in the spices and aromatics.
06 - Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
07 - Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender and silky.
08 - Remove the lid and cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly, if desired.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili, if needed.
10 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cabbage transforms into something luxurious and creamy without any dairy
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
  • Using only the thick cream from the top of the can makes it incredibly rich
  • The cabbage continues to release liquid as it cooks so do not add too much broth
03 -
  • Take the time to slice the cabbage thinly for even cooking
  • Let the spices bloom in the hot oil before adding liquids
Go Back