Easy Cabbage Fritters are crispy, savory, and packed with shredded cabbage, making them a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. These golden-brown pancakes are light, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a meatless main course.
I first made these when I was looking for a quick and tasty way to use up leftover cabbage, and they turned out to be an instant favorite. The crispy edges, tender inside, and subtle sweetness of the cabbage make every bite irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how budget-friendly and easy it is—just a few ingredients, a quick mix, and a pan-fry later, and you have a satisfying dish.
What’s great about Easy Cabbage Fritters is their versatility. You can season them with garlic, herbs, or spices, add shredded cheese for extra richness, or dip them in a creamy sauce for even more flavor. Whether served as a side, appetizer, or light meal, these crispy cabbage pancakes are always a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Quick lunches or dinners
- Healthy snacks
- Vegetarian meals
- Meal prep and make-ahead dishes
- Budget-friendly cooking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Easy Cabbage Fritters will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Crispy and Flavorful: The perfect balance of crunch and tenderness in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and fresh cabbage.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy as a snack, side, or light meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and a good dose of protein.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients, great for cost-conscious cooking.
- Customizable: Easily add herbs, cheese, or spices for extra flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a quick meal anytime.
- Kid-Friendly: A tasty way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
- Pairs Well with Many Sauces: Serve with sour cream, yogurt dip, or spicy sriracha for a flavor boost.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Key Nutrients: Fiber: 4g, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Fritters:
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, grated (optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk or water
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings and Dips:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Spicy mayo or sriracha sauce
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Cabbage: The star of the dish, adding crunch and fiber.
- Eggs: Help bind the fritters together for structure.
- Baking Powder: Gives the pancakes a light and airy texture.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh, slightly spicy bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- Shred the Cabbage: Finely slice the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Add Carrots and Green Onions: If using, mix in the grated carrot and chopped green onions.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add eggs and milk (or water) to the cabbage mixture, then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
Cook the Fritters:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Fry in Batches: Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan, flattening slightly with a spatula.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy these Easy Cabbage Fritters:
- As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled meat, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Serve with sour cream, yogurt dip, or a spicy sriracha sauce.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra indulgence.
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Sandwich Filler: Use as a patty in a sandwich or wrap.
- For Breakfast: Pair with eggs and toast for a hearty morning meal.
- With Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- In a Lunchbox: Great for meal prep and packed lunches.
- With a Poached Egg: A perfect combination for brunch.
- As a Healthy Snack: Enjoy as a quick, nutritious bite between meals.
Additional Tips
- Shred Evenly – Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor to get uniformly thin cabbage shreds for even cooking.
- Salt and Rest – Sprinkle salt on shredded cabbage and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture before mixing the batter.
- Squeeze Out Liquid – After resting, squeeze the cabbage to remove extra water. This helps prevent soggy fritters.
- Use a Binder – Eggs and a little flour (or cornstarch) help hold the fritters together. For a gluten-free option, try rice flour or chickpea flour.
- Add Extra Veggies – Grated carrots, onions, scallions, or zucchini can enhance flavor and texture.
- Season Well – A pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes adds extra depth to the fritters.
- Preheat the Pan – Ensure your pan and oil are hot before adding the batter to get crispy edges.
- Flip Gently – Use a spatula to flip the fritters carefully once they’re golden brown and firm on one side.
- Drain on Paper Towels – This removes excess oil and keeps them crisp.
- Serve Immediately – Cabbage fritters taste best fresh, paired with a dipping sauce like sour cream, yogurt dip, or spicy mayo.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Cabbage Fritters: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese and 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the batter for a rich, savory twist.
- Spicy Kimchi Cabbage Fritters: Replace part of the cabbage with ½ cup chopped kimchi and add 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy, tangy kick.
- Herbed Cabbage Fritters: Mix in 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh parsley, chives, and dill for a fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Crispy Beef Bacon & Cabbage Fritters: Stir in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled beef bacon for a smoky, crispy upgrade.
- Curried Cabbage Fritters: Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and a pinch of turmeric for a warm, aromatic variation.
- Zesty Lemon & Pepper Cabbage Fritters: Mix in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and ½ teaspoon black pepper for a bright and peppery flavor.
- Vegan Cabbage Fritters: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk instead of dairy.
- Asian-Inspired Cabbage Fritters: Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious umami boost.
- Mexican-Style Cabbage Fritters: Mix in ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ cup diced jalapeños for a bold, southwestern flair.
- Sweet Potato & Cabbage Fritters: Replace half of the cabbage with shredded sweet potato for a slightly sweet, crispy fritter.
Special Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the shredded cabbage and batter ingredients.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – To finely shred the cabbage if not using a grater.
- Box Grater or Mandoline Slicer – For quickly shredding cabbage into thin strips.
- Whisk or Fork – To mix the batter evenly.
- Nonstick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Spatula or Turner – For flipping the pancakes without breaking them.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient ratios.
- Ladle or Scoop – For portioning the batter into the pan.
- Paper Towels – To drain excess oil from the fritters after frying.
- Tongs – For handling and flipping the pancakes with ease.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage works great for convenience. - Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, store them in the fridge and reheat in a pan or oven. - Can I freeze cabbage fritters?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or oven. - What can I use instead of flour?
Almond flour, oat flour, or chickpea flour are great substitutes. - Do I need to cook the cabbage beforehand?
No, raw cabbage softens as it cooks in the fritters. - Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) instead. - How do I make them crispier?
Use less liquid in the batter and cook at a slightly higher heat. - What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil work best. - How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for variety.
Conclusion
Easy Cabbage Fritters, also known as Cabbage Pancakes, are a crispy, savory delight packed with tender shredded cabbage, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly seasoned batter. Light yet satisfying, these golden-brown fritters are a simple way to turn humble ingredients into a flavorful dish that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Customize them by adding shredded carrots for sweetness, a sprinkle of cheese for richness, or a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Serve them with sour cream, a tangy dipping sauce, or a drizzle of soy sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
I can’t wait to see how your Cabbage Fritters turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!