Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (2024)

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Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (1)

Prep: 20 minutes | Resting Time: 1 -2 hours | Ingredients: 7 | Serving: 20

Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage with Ginger is fantastic, quick to make and lasts for months. It’s really crunchy, with a zingy sweet and sour flavour, strewn with flecks of red chilli and matchsticks of fresh ginger. It’s a winner! We love to serve this with Chinese Crispy Pork Belly slices on bao buns smeared with hoisin sauce.

Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger is also a fabulous accompaniment to our Soy Star Anise Braised Chicken. The pickled cabbage cuts through the richness of pork and is perfect served with duck or salmon.

At a Glance This Is What You Need To Make Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage with Ginger

Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (2)

Pantry


White Sugar
Table Salt

Shopping List


Ginger Root
Long Red Chilli
Red Cabbage
Rice Wine Vinegar
Sesame Seeds (optional)

How To Cut Red Cabbage

Slicing the cabbage super thin is a job quickly done with a mandolin. Halve or quarter your cabbage first, and remove the thick white core. Set your mandolin to the smallest blade and slice away. If you don’t have a mandolin use a sharp knife, and slice as thinly as possible.

What Does Putting Salt On Cabbage Do?

Salting layers of the cabbage, then weighting using a heavy object, helps to make the cabbage tender and extracts excess water from the cabbage. Salting vegetables in this way also helps to accelerate the absorption of the other ingredients in the recipe.

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Hot Tip – How To Peel Ginger With A Spoon

Fresh ginger can be knobbly and the quickest way to peel ginger is to use a spoon. The skin glides away with very little waste and the job is done in seconds.

Hold the ginger root in one hand and using the other hand take a teaspoon and scrape the skin away. Too easy!

What Is Rice Wine Vinegar?

Rice wine vinegar is made from fermented rice. It’s far less acidic and is milder than pure distilled white vinegar or vinegar made from grape-based wine or malt. The taste is slightly sweet, clean tasting with an unobtrusive tang.

Rice wine vinegar is widely available in supermarkets, generally in the Asian section.

Step By Step How To Make Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage with Ginger

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  1. Using a mandolin or sharp knife finely slice the cabbage – discard the hard white core
  2. Place some of the cabbage into a colander then sprinkle with some of the salt then using your fingers mix briefly until the salt is evenly distributed, then repeat these steps 3 – 4 times until all of the cabbage and salt have been incorporated
  3. Use a bowl with weights eg. cans of food or a heavy object that fits into the colander to press the cabbage – be sure to place the colander in the sink or rest on a plate to catch the juices as they are released (1 – 2 hours)
  4. Heat the vinegar and sugar until the sugar has dissolved, then set to one side and allow to cool
  5. Julienne the ginger and finely chop the chilli
  6. When the cabbage has stopped releasing juices, turn the cabbage out into a large bowl
  7. Add the prepared ginger, chilli and the vinegar solution. Mix until evenly distributed
  8. Pack the cabbage into clean glass jars and ensure the cabbage is submerged in the vinegar solution
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Mixing In The Ginger And Chilli

Once your cabbage and salt have sat for 2 hours and drained, add in the ginger and chilli and toss well to distribute evenly. Do not rinse the cabbage after it has been salted and drained. Simply add the ginger and chilli to the salted and drained cabbage and toss through.

Don’t worry about the cabbage being too salty as most of the salt drains away with the pressed cabbage juice.

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How Do You Store Pickled Cabbage?

The cabbage needs to be stored in a large glass jar with a none corrosive lid due to the salt and vinegar. Pack the cabbage into the jar and pour the sugar and vinegar solution over the cabbage so that the cabbage is submerged. Place a piece of clingwrap on top of the cabbage and press down to keep it submerged in the vinegar and sugar solution.

How Long Can I Keep Pickled Cabbage?

The cabbage will last for months in the refrigerator. After a few months, the cabbage does tend to leach in colour and the cabbage does start to soften but is still delicious.

Don’t forget to rate this recipe and let us know what you thought when you make this fabulous Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage with Ginger in the reviews below.

Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (13)

Yield: 20 serves

Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage with Ginger

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Inactive Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Chinese pickled red cabbage with ginger is really crunchy, with a zingy sweet and sour flavour, strewn with flecks of red chilli and super thin matchsticks of fresh ginger. It's a winner!

We love to serve this with crispy, sweet pork belly slices on bao buns smeared with hoisin sauce. Delish!

Originally posted December 2019

Recipe from Belinda Jeffery.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon fine table salt
  • 750 g red cabbage - (1 whole small or half a medium cabbage) (1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 cup castor sugar
  • 4 - 6 tablespoons finely sliced fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks
  • 1 - 2 small red chilli, finely chopped (we used cayenne chillies)
  • toasted sesame seeds to garnish - optional

Instructions

  1. halve or quarter cabbage, remove the hard white core and discard
  2. shred the cabbage as thinly as you can using a mandolin or very sharp knife
  3. sprinkle the salt over the cabbage and toss to distribute the salt
  4. place the salted cabbage into a colander (do not rinse)
  5. place a plate with a heavy weight on top of the cabbage
  6. place colander in the kitchen sink or rest it on a large plate (it releases a lot of liquid)
  7. leave to drain at room temperature for 2 hours
  8. in a small saucepan over gentle heat combine the vinegar and sugar, heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved (2 - 3 minutes)
  9. leave to one side to cool
  10. place drained cabbage in a large bowl and toss through the ginger and chilli until evenly distributed
  11. pour in the cooled vinegar and sugar mixture, give it all a good toss
  12. transfer the cabbage to a large glass jar and top with any excess vinegar mixture that is remaining in the bowl
  13. place a piece of clingwrap on top of the cabbage and press down to keep it submerged - see notes
  14. to allow the flavours to marry wait 24hrs before using
  15. to serve place the cabbage in a mound, and scatter with toasted sesame seeds - (optional)
  16. serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • you may have to make up a little more sugar and vinegar solution to cover the volume of cabbage
  • pickled cabbage keeps well in a glass container, covered in the refrigerator for months

Nutrition Information

Yield

20

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 0Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 0mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g

Cooper

Coops loves to get a little ‘in between meals’ treat. It never ceases to amaze us as to just how obedient he is when food is offered, note the little tongue hanging out. Just look at that face, even the king parrot is taking a sideways look in wonderment!

  • Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (14)

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Easy Chinese Pickled Red Cabbage With Ginger - Recipe Winners (2024)

FAQs

Is pickled red cabbage anti inflammatory? ›

Health benefits of red cabbage

2,3 These antioxidants have properties that help to reduce inflammation in our bodies, as well as protect our hearts.

How long does pickled red cabbage last in a jar? ›

Pickled red cabbage will last in a tightly sealed jar for about two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that this is a quick pickling recipe, NOT a canning recipe. You would need to follow the appropriate instructions regarding food safety and cleanliness if you were looking to make a shelf-stable canned cabbage.

Is pickled red cabbage good for gut health? ›

It may help maintain a healthy balance of prebiotics in your digestive system, though we need more research into this benefit. Prebiotics are foods that help feed "good" gut bacteria. Fermented cabbage may also help promote the balance of microbes and probiotics in your digestive system.

What is Chinese pickled cabbage called? ›

Suancai (also called suan tsai and Chinese sauerkraut; lit. 'sour vegetable') is a traditional Chinese pickled Chinese cabbage (napa cabbage) or Chinese mustard, used for a variety of purposes. Suancai is a unique form of paocai, due to the ingredients used and the method of production.

Does red cabbage cleanse your colon? ›

Packed with phytosterols (plant sterols) and insoluble fiber, cabbage can help keep your digestive system healthy and bowel movements regular. It fuels the good bacteria in your gut that protects your immune system and produces essential nutrients.

Is pickled red cabbage good for weight loss? ›

May help prevent cancer: Cruciferous vegetables, including red cabbage, contain compounds that may help protect against certain types of cancer. Aids weight loss: Low in calories and high in fiber, red cabbage can help you feel fuller for longer, making it a great addition to weight loss diets.

Can you eat too much pickled cabbage? ›

Yes, it is possible to eat too much sauerkraut. Consuming large amounts of sauerkraut can lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas. Additionally, sauerkraut is high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed in excessive amounts.

Why do you soak red cabbage in water? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

What can I do with a jar of pickled red cabbage? ›

Use it as a side dish to brighten up your plate or as an ingredient in your favourite salads and slaws. Our Pickled Red Cabbage comes in a convenient 710g jar that is easy to store in your fridge and use whenever you need it. It's perfect for meal prep or for adding a touch of flavour to your everyday cooking.

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon. Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

Is red cabbage good for blood pressure? ›

Red cabbage is a good source of potassium, delivering 9% of the DV in a 2-cup (178-g) serving ( 22 ). Eating more potassium-rich cabbage is a delicious way to lower high blood pressure and may help keep it within a healthy range ( 38 ).

What to eat with pickled red cabbage? ›

Eat pickled purple cabbage as a side salad, or add to dishes like fish tacos, pulled pork, or barbecued beef. Keep unused portion refrigerated. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What is the difference between napa cabbage and Chinese cabbage? ›

Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis) with an oval head of light green leaves. Its common names include Chinese white cabbage, Peking cabbage, or celery cabbage (due to its white stalks). The word “napa” comes from the Japanese word for leaves, but in Japan, it's called hakusai.

Is Chinese pickled cabbage good for you? ›

Fermented Chinese pickled cabbage aren't just delicious, but it's also a great source of vitamins and probiotics.

What is the best way to preserve Chinese cabbage? ›

Freezing Cabbage or Chinese Cabbage

Cut into medium to coarse shreds or thin wedges, or separate head into leaves. Water blanch 1½ minutes. Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving ½-inch headspace. Seal and freeze.

Can you eat pickles on anti-inflammatory diet? ›

Ideal foods and drinks such as fermented tea like kombucha tea, fermented vegetables like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, or other fermented vegetables may reduce inflammation. Incorporating naturally fermented foods into your diet is important for the health of your gut.

Are pickled vegetables anti-inflammatory? ›

Pickled vegetables also contain alpha-linolenic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and sitosterol, which act as anti-atherosclerotic, cardiovascular disease-preventing, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering agents (17).

Is purple cabbage good for inflammation? ›

Purple cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable linked to a variety of health benefits. These include reduced inflammation, a healthier heart, stronger bones, improved gut function, and perhaps even a lower risk of certain cancers.

Can you eat cabbage on anti-inflammatory diet? ›

It's Good for Inflammation

Cabbage is loaded with lots of chemicals that help ease swelling in your tissues. This helps protect you from other health issues because inflammation is linked to things like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.

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