Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage

Experience the comforting, smoky flavors of the South with this Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage! This plant-based twist on a classic side dish combines tender green cabbage with sautéed onions, garlic, and a bold medley of seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutritional yeast. Simmered to perfection in a splash of vegetable broth and finished with a tangy hint of apple cider vinegar, this dish delivers richness and depth without any animal products. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick, hearty, and healthy option that pairs beautifully with cornbread or rice. Whether you're serving it as a side or a centerpiece, this vegan fried cabbage is sure to satisfy cravings for Southern comfort food while staying fully plant-based.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 0.25 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 stalks green onions (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters, trim the core, and then slice the quarters into thin strips.

Step 2

Peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil and vegan butter over medium heat until glistening.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, a handful at a time. Stir to combine the cabbage with the onions and garlic as it cooks down.

Step 7

Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and nutritional yeast over the cabbage. Mix well to evenly coat the cabbage with the seasonings.

Step 8

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and stir. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cabbage simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Remove the lid and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the cabbage to become tender.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Transfer the vegan Southern fried cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or a main course alongside cornbread or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(632.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	669.2

Total Fat 51.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1478.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 11.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.8mg	0%
Iron 4.1mg	0%
Potassium 1142.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.8%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 26.6%