How to Cook Cabbage on a Budget

Cabbage, in all its varieties, is a versatile veg to have in your fridge rotation and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Whether you eat it as a side to your Sunday roast or highlight it as the hero of your plate, there are a wealth of ways to use this nutrient-packed, wallet-friendly veggie. These are just a few of our favourites:

• Coleslaw – think a vibrant red cabbage slaw spiked with lime, or a classic and creamy coleslaw at a barbecue.

• Kimchi – a spicy, tangy and funky Korean ferment that’s full of good bacteria (more on this later).

• Cabbage wedges – a vegan-friendly main course with bitter and sweet notes to excite even the greediest carnivores.

• Braised red cabbage – a quick side that suits classic mains like roast pork with crunchy crackling.

• Japanese-inspired pancakes – known as okonomiyaki, and topped with fiery sriracha and tangy Salt and Vinegar Mayo.

While certain cabbage varieties can be eaten raw, cooking will also bring out their flavour. Be sure to remove any tough or overly damaged outer leaves, however you're cooking the cabbage, and if you're shredding or slicing, remove the tough inner stem.

How to fry cabbage

1. Blanch for 1 minute in rolling boiling, salted water.

2. Transfer to a frying pan on a high heat with a little oil in (bonus points if you use our garlic-infused olive oil).

3. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to keep the crunch and serve immediately.

How to steam cabbage

1. Set up your steamer with salted water at a strong simmer.

2. Pop your shredded cabbage into the steamer basket and clamp the lid on.

3. Check after 2-3 minutes, and cook until tender.

How to roast cabbage

Roasting cabbage is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness.

1. Set the oven to a high heat (around 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 6).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment and top with wedges of cabbage.

3. Drizzle with oil and season generously, then roast for 35-40 minutes.

How to air fry cabbage

1. Pre-heat your air fryer to 200°C, and brush your cabbage steaks with oil.

2. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through.

3. Season with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan, if you like, for extra umami flavour.

Our cracking cabbage recipes bring freshness and iron-rich flavour, whether eaten as a side or celebrated as the main event. Give these a go:

You'll find a seasonal variety of cabbage in your local Foodhall, including:

• White cabbage – classic, crunchy and best in a coleslaw.

• Red cabbage – crisp, slightly sweet and can be eaten raw or braised.

• Sweetheart cabbage – tender, mild and naturally sweet.

• Savoy cabbage – hearty, gently bitter with crinkly leaves.

• January King cabbage – purple-green leaves with a robust crunch (find it in store in the winter months).

• Cavolo Nero – an Italian black cabbage with an iron-rich flavour.

• Spring greens – sweet, crisp and best served shredded (find them in store in the spring months).

Our experts have crafted tonnes of budget-friendly recipes from the very best of M&S Remarksable Value ingredients. For more wallet-conscious cooking ideas check out our collection.