If you’re looking for a delightful, wholesome dish that will surprise your taste buds, you must try these cabbage patties. These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe offers a crispy outside with a tender, flavorful inside, packed with the goodness of finely shredded cabbage, herbs, cheese, and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you follow a vegetarian lifestyle or just want a delicious alternative to meat, this recipe is hearty and satisfying enough to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each adds a special dimension—whether it’s the cabbage’s crunch, the cheese’s melty richness, or the herbs’ freshness—that comes together to create patties bursting with flavor and texture.
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage: The star of the show, providing a crunchy yet tender base that’s light and nutritious.
- ½ medium onion (grated or finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that beautifully complements the cabbage.
- 2 eggs: These bind everything together, giving the patties a satisfying structure and rich flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: For that irresistible melty, savory touch that elevates every bite.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Helps hold the patties firm, ensuring they crisp up nicely on the outside.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Adds extra texture and helps with binding, allowing a perfect golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill: Fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic lift to the flavor profile.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses a gentle punch of savory warmth that ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough bite to keep things interesting.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky note and a hint of color.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil to achieve that perfect crisp crust without overpowering the patties.
How to Make These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Cabbage
Start by placing your finely shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this helps draw out excess moisture. Once rested, squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure your patties hold together well and don’t get soggy during cooking.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Now, add the grated onion, beaten eggs, shredded cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to the cabbage. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture comes together and feels cohesive. This is your patty batter that’s bursting with flavor and texture!
Step 3: Fry the Patties to Golden Perfection
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Use about ¼ cup of the mixture for each patty, scooping it into the pan and flattening gently with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and crisp. Once done, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these patties fresh and hot is a treat, but complementing them with the right garnishes takes them to the next level. A dollop of cool sour cream or plain yogurt dip adds a tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory cabbage and cheese. Fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley sprinkled on top bring a lovely burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cabbage patties are so versatile they can bootstrap an entire meal. Pair them with a crisp side salad for a light lunch, or add roasted veggies for a hearty dinner. Mashed potatoes or a tangy cucumber salad complement the patties wonderfully, providing balance and extra nourishment on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little creative, these patties can be transformed into sliders with your favorite buns and toppings, like pickles and spicy aioli. You could also crumble them over a bed of greens as a warm, savory salad topper. Trust me, the ways to enjoy these delightful bites are endless, and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, these patties keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They maintain their flavor beautifully and are perfect for quick meals or snacks when you’re short on time.
Freezing
To freeze, place the patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe anytime without extra prep—just pop them straight from freezer to skillet or oven.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp again, or use an air fryer or oven for that extra crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crisp outside texture.
FAQs
Can I make these patties gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The patties will still hold together wonderfully and taste fantastic.
Is it possible to bake these patties instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking gives a lighter version without sacrificing the crispy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
Definitely! Grated carrot or zucchini complement cabbage perfectly and add extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent soggy patties.
What cheese works best for these patties?
Mozzarella and cheddar are great choices because they melt well and add richness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for different flavor twists.
Are these patties suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, these patties are fantastic for meal prep! Cook a batch ahead, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat quickly whenever you want a nutritious and tasty meal or snack.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe a try enough! They’re a fantastic way to enjoy something flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly hearty without any meat involved. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these patties are sure to impress and satisfy every craving. So go ahead and make a batch—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
These Cabbage Patties Are Better Than Meat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cabbage patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Made with finely shredded cabbage, onions, herbs, and a cheesy, eggy batter, they’re a satisfying vegetarian alternative that’s hearty enough to stand in for meat. Serve them hot with sour cream, yogurt dip, or your favorite sauce for a wholesome lunch, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- ½ medium onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, squeeze out the moisture thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure the patties won’t be soggy.
- Mix the Batter: Add the grated onion, eggs, shredded cheese, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika to the cabbage. Mix everything well until the mixture holds together, indicating it’s ready to be formed into patties.
- Heat the Oil: Warm a few tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. This will ensure a crispy exterior when frying the patties.
- Form and Fry Patties: Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture per patty into the skillet and flatten them slightly with a spatula for even cooking. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the patties warm with sour cream, yogurt dip, or your preferred sauce for a satisfying meal or snack.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Add grated carrot or zucchini to the mixture for extra color, flavor, and added nutrients.
- These patties are great for meal prep; reheat them easily in a skillet or air fryer without losing texture.
