Instant Pot Braised Cabbage Recipe: Quick Tender Cabbage

Instant Pot Cabbage: A simple, healthy, and quick steamed cabbage recipe that’s perfect as a snack or an easy side dish to any meal.

Steamed cabbage has become one of my go-to snacks. It works wonderfully as a side dish, and a small pat of butter is all you need for a satisfying bite. Traditional steaming can be fussy, which is why I prefer the Instant Pot for this—it’s fast, hands-off, and consistent.

Why use an Instant Pot? If you don’t already have one, it’s worth considering. It simplifies steaming and shortens cook time while preserving texture and flavor.

The best part of this dish is how healthy and versatile it is. Leave off the butter for a lighter version, or add a little for a richer finish.

Before the recipe, here are tips for choosing the best head of cabbage.

How to choose the perfect head of cabbage

Take a moment when selecting cabbage—picking a good head makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Look for:

• A large, dense, and firm head that feels heavy for its size and has bright, unblemished leaves.
• Tightly packed leaves near the stem — loose or separating leaves indicate age.
• A head that appears full and intact with minimal bruising or splits.

Note: After bringing cabbage home, wrap it in a plastic bag and store in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh.

Preparing cabbage for cooking

Preparing the cabbage is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to get evenly sized pieces that steam well.

• Rinse the cabbage thoroughly before cutting.
• Cut the head in half and remove the tough core from each half.
• Slice each half into wedges or chunks about 1″ in size so the pieces cook evenly.

Recommended cooking tools

A reliable Instant Pot and a sharp chef’s knife make prepping and cooking faster and safer.

• Instant Pot: A 6- or 8-quart model works well for home use.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp, comfortable knife makes trimming and chopping easier.

Instant Pot cabbage ingredients

• Cabbage: 1 quality head, chopped to your preferred size.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor; amount depends on your Instant Pot size (see notes).
• Butter: Optional — a small amount adds richness.

How to cook cabbage in an Instant Pot

1. Place the chopped cabbage in the Instant Pot and add the recommended amount of chicken broth for your pot size.
2. Secure the lid and set the valve to “sealing.”
3. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
4. Toss the hot cabbage with butter if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

How much broth should I add to my Instant Pot?

Do not fill past the pot’s fill line. Use the following guideline for broth:

• 6-quart: 1 cup chicken broth.
• 8-quart: 1 ½ cups chicken broth.

Storing leftover steamed cabbage

This dish is often enjoyed right away, but leftovers store well.

To store: Transfer cooled cabbage to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–5 days. You can also freeze cooked cabbage for up to 8 months.

To reheat: Microwave 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, or reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Customize Instant Pot cabbage

This recipe is a great base for additions and variations.

• Seasonings: Add thyme, oregano, or your favorite herbs.
• Liquid: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or water if you prefer minimal added flavor.
• Veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
• Protein: Mix in shredded chicken or cooked sausage to make it a complete meal.

Recipe

Don’t forget to save this Instant Pot cabbage recipe for later.