This Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Kale Skillet is a quick and tasty dish! Crisp cabbage and hearty kale come together, all brought to life with flavorful garlic and a touch of olive oil.
You won’t believe how good this simple meal is! I love serving it with rice or pasta for added yumminess. Plus, it’s a perfect way to sneak in some greens—no one will complain!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds rich flavor and helps in sautéing. You can substitute it with avocado oil or sesame oil for a different twist, especially if you want something with a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, but it’s best to stick with fresh for the best taste. I recommend using lots for an extra punch!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is great, but you can also use savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage for a milder flavor. If you have red cabbage, it’s a beautiful substitute that adds color, too!
Kale: Any kale variety works! Curly kale is common, but you can also use lacinato (or dinosaur) kale for a slightly different texture. If kale isn’t your thing, spinach wilts down nicely and can be used instead.
Onion: While optional, onions add sweetness. If you want to skip it, shallots or even leeks could be tasty alternatives.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Sauté?
Getting the right sauté on your veggies can be tricky! Here’s how to do it just right:
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding. This helps the veggies brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Keep your heat at medium. Too hot can burn your garlic, while too low won’t give you that nice color.
- Stir occasionally but not too frequently! Let the veggies sit for a bit to get that caramelization.
Once the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, toss in the kale until it wilts down. Remember, if you incorporate your red chili flakes right at this step, they’ll bloom and release more flavor!
Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Kale Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying side dish that packs a punch of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough but not smoking. You want a nice sizzle when you add your ingredients!
2. Sauté Garlic and Onion:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. If you’re using onion, toss that in as well. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being sure not to let it burn—burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Cook the Cabbage:
Now, add the chopped cabbage to your skillet. Stir it well, then let it cook while stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften and take on a little browning, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Kale:
Next, add in the chopped kale. This will take about 5 more minutes to cook. Stir frequently until the kale wilts and becomes tender. It will cook down quite a bit!
5. Season the Veggies:
Once the cabbage and kale are cooked through, sprinkle the red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over everything. Give it a good stir to make sure the seasoning evenly coats the veggies.
6. Add Brightness:
If you want a little zing, drizzle the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar over the top. Toss everything together one last time to combine those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve warm. This dish is not only a fantastic side but can also stand alone as a light main dish. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Kale Skillet!
This dish is simple, healthy, and bursting with fresh garlicky flavor—a quick and delightful addition to any meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Greens?
Absolutely! While kale and cabbage are the stars of this dish, you can use other greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust cooking times since some greens wilt faster than others!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, feel free to use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even sesame oil for a different flavor. Each will work just as well for sautéing your veggies!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Garlic Sautéed Cabbage Kale Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through!
Can I Add Protein to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal. Just add the protein toward the end of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.