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+ servings
Close-up of glossy, braised red cabbage with rich purple color.

Braised German Red Cabbage

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
A simple 4-ingredient Braised German Red Cabbage made with red cabbage, butter, sugar, and balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy side dish that pairs well with pork, chicken, and beef.
3 Servings

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 large red cabbage sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Seasoning

  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Sauté the Cabbage

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot set over medium heat. Add the sliced red cabbage and stir to coat the cabbage evenly in the butter. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to soften slightly.

Add the Sugar and Vinegar

  1. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cabbage and mix thoroughly. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover and Simmer Until Tender

  1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow the cabbage to cook for 30–45 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Continue simmering until the cabbage is fully tender but not mushy.

Season and Serve

  1. Once the cabbage has reached the desired tenderness, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

To ensure this Braised German Red Cabbage is completely gluten-free, verify that the balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives derived from gluten or be processed in shared facilities. All remaining ingredients—butter, cabbage, sugar, salt, and pepper—are naturally gluten-free. Confirm that all utensils, pots, and cutting boards are free from gluten contamination.
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