Tangy, lightly sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Red Cabbage with Apples is a vibrant side that pairs with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
For the longest time, I made braised cabbage on the stove, often with a splash of hard cider and a few juniper berries for added flavor. It was simple enough, but I wanted to make it even easier by using my Instant Pot.
Cooking the cabbage in a pressure cooker takes just minutes, without requiring any attention. Then, after the cabbage is done, I use the Instant Pot to give the apples a quick sauté until they are golden and tender. I top it off with chopped walnuts, and it's ready to go.
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This version has become a go-to side dish through the fall and winter - quick, colorful, and perfect alongside just about anything.
😍 Why You'll Love this red cabbage recipe
- The Instant Pot does all the work for you.
- It's bright and festive for everything from weeknights to holidays.
- It's savory yet has a touch of sweetness.
I think vegetable side dishes shouldn't be an afterthought. If you feel the same, you'll also want to try my recipes for Roasted Carrots and Asparagus, Maple Glazed Carrots, and Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts. Or for other great cabbage dishes, try my Roasted Napa Cabbage and Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Polish Golumpki).
🍏 Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- Red cabbage: Although red cabbage cooks just like green cabbage, it contains more vitamins, and its vibrant color enhances the dish's visual appeal. Look for a cabbage that weighs around 1.5 to 2 pounds or use just a portion of a larger one.
- Apples: I prefer using a firm, semi-sweet apple for this recipe that will retain its shape during cooking. You only need a couple of apples, but you can also leave them out and enjoy the cabbage on its own.
- Onion: A sliced onion adds savory, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Juniper berries: Juniper berries are a traditional pairing with cabbage in German cuisine. Their piney, citrus flavor balances the earthy sweetness. Be sure to crush them with the side of a knife to help release their flavor. If you don't have juniper berries handy, try substituting a cinnamon stick, allspice berries, or whole cloves.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cooking the red cabbage with a bit of vinegar not only adds flavor, but it also helps it retain its vibrant color during cooking. White vinegar or wine vinegar may also be used.
- Walnuts: I like to finish off the dish with chopped walnuts for a little crunch. Feel free to leave out.
Check out the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
🥬 Substitutions & Variations
- Green cabbage: Instead of red cabbage, you can use green cabbage. Green cabbage will taste the same, but the dish won't be as visually appealing.
- Nuts: Try chopped cashews, almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds in place of walnuts.
- With herbs: For an even more flavorful dish, add chopped rosemary or thyme to the cabbage during cooking. You can also finish the dish off with a little chopped parsley.
- With beer or cider: Instead of broth, try using hard cider for a fruity depth that complements the apples, or a beer for a deeper, malty flavor. Make sure they are beverages you enjoy the taste of and would actually drink.
🔪 Instructions
- Step 1: Halve the cabbage and cut out the core.
- Step 2: Pull out the core of the cabbage.
- Step 3: Cut each half in half again, then roughly slice. Chunks of cabbage are fine. Then slice the onion.
- Step 4: Put the cabbage and onion in the instant pot. Add the broth, vinegar, salt, and juniper berries. Place the lid on the pot and set it to 8 minutes in manual mode.
- Step 5: While the cabbage cooks, peel and slice the apple.
- Step 6: When the cabbage is done, remove it from the pot and place it in a serving dish.
- Step 7: Set the Instant Pot to saute and add the butter. When melted, add the apple and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 8: Place the cooked apples on top of the cabbage. Top with the walnuts and serve.
🙋🏻♂️ FAQ
The short answer is no. You can follow the same basic directions using any brand of modern electric pressure cooker. Just use the equivalent settings.
Yes. Just braise the cabbage, onion, broth, vinegar, and spices in a covered pot on the stove for about 30 minutes or until tender, then sauté the apples in a separate pan and combine as described.
🍲Equipment
Instant Pot: In case it's not obvious, this recipe was specifically created and tested for use with an Instant Pot pressure cooker. I haven't tried it with other pressure cookers, so I can't say for sure, but I imagine the cooking time and method would be similar.
🥡 Storage
Fridge: Store leftover cabbage and apples in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I don't recommend freezing leftovers of this dish.
Reheat: In a pan over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
🥗 What to serve with Red cabbage
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Red Cabbage and Apples
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: about 4-6 servings as a side 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tangy, lightly sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Red Cabbage with Apples recipe is a vibrant side that pairs with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red cabbage (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 onion
- 4 juniper berries
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 apples, any firm, semi-sweet variety
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients. Halve the cabbage and remove the core. Roughly cut into large chunks. Remove the skin and slice the onion. Crush the juniper berries with the back of your knife.
- Cook the cabbage. Add the cabbage, onion, and juniper berries into the Instant Pot along with the broth, vinegar, and salt. Secure the lid on the pot and make sure the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Press the manual button (which defaults to high) and set the time for 8 minutes. If you're not in a hurry, you can let the pressure release naturally in the pot. However, if you prefer to release it sooner, feel free to do so when you're ready.
- Prep the apples. While the cabbage cooks, peel and cut the apples into quarters, then slice each quarter into thin slices.
- Sauté the apples. Transfer the cabbage to a serving dish and wipe out the pot. Press the saute function on the Instant Pot and add the butter. When melted, add the apples and brown sugar. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and softened.
- Finish and serve. Spoon the apples over the cabbage and top with the chopped walnuts. Serve warm.
Notes
If you don't have juniper berries, omit them. Alternatively, you could substitute a cinnamon stick and remove it after cooking, or add a little grated nutmeg.
This dish would be great topped with a bit of chopped parsley.
The brown sugar is not essential, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a sugar-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes + time to reach pressure
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
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