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Instant Pot cabbage in white bowl with serving spoon and yellow and white striped linen.
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Instant Pot Cabbage with Southern Style

This Instant Pot cabbage takes all the guesswork out of getting it just right! And the flavor is undeniably southern in the best way.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 82kcal
Author Gary White

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups yellow onions sliced with grain
  • 1 head of cabbage roughly chopped, core removed
  • 2 Tbsp. bacon fat
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic minced
  • 6 thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. sea salt

Instructions

  • Cut onions with the grain to create strings.
  • Place the cabbage on a large cutting board, core side up. Cut the cabbage into 3 large pieces to remove the core, then roughly chop into spoon-size pieces. Break up leaves into individual pieces.
  • Set Instant Pot to sauté setting. Add bacon fat and let it melt. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until just barely softened.
  • Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and vinegar, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add cabbage, chicken broth, and salt to the pot. Mix thoroughly. Lock the lid and set the pressure to high for 2 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, quick-release the pressure. Remove the lid, discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, mix again, and serve.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Cut Onions with the Grain: This method creates strings that blend well with the cabbage.
  • Break Up Cabbage Leaves: Ensures even cooking and better texture.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Before locking the lid, mix the ingredients well for even distribution of flavors.
  • Quick-Release Pressure: Prevents overcooking and maintains the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use olive oil instead of bacon fat? Yes! You could also use butter.
Can I substitute dried thyme for fresh? I recommend using fresh thyme whenever possible. The flavor will always be better. However, you can use dried thyme in a pinch. I recommend using ¼ teaspoon dry thyme in this recipe when substituting for fresh.
Can I use other types of cabbage? Yes, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have bacon fat? Substitute with butter or olive oil for a different, yet delicious flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap the bacon fat for olive oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 275mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 45.5mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 0.8mg