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Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage Recipe

4.7 from 129 reviews

This Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage recipe delivers a flavorful, tender cabbage dish cooked quickly under pressure. Infused with garlic, lemon, and aromatic bay leaves, and enriched with unsalted butter, it’s a perfect side for any meal. The method ensures a soft yet vibrant texture, with rich buttery garlic flavor balanced by bright lemon and fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 head of cabbage, chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Liquids and Fats

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • Additional butter, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine broth and seasonings: Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  2. Add cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the Instant Pot on top of the broth mixture.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot: Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position to prepare for pressure cooking.
  4. Pressure cook: Select the high pressure cooking mode and set the timer for 6 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to cook the cabbage under pressure.
  5. Release pressure: When cooking time is complete, press the Cancel button. Carefully perform a quick release by slowly turning the valve from “Sealing” to “Venting” to release all the steam before opening the lid.
  6. Stir cabbage: Open the lid and stir the cabbage gently to combine it well with the buttery broth and distribute the garlic and seasonings evenly.
  7. Season to taste: Adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, mixing again to incorporate the flavors.
  8. Serve: Serve the buttered cabbage hot with additional butter if desired, lemon wedges on the side, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  • If you prefer your cabbage crisper, reduce pressure cooking time to 4-5 minutes.
  • Adding lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of butter.
  • Freshly chopped parsley adds both color and a fresh herbaceous note to the final dish.
  • Quick pressure release is important to prevent overcooking and mushy cabbage.
  • Can be served as a side dish with meats, fish, or vegetarian mains.

Keywords: Instant Pot cabbage recipe, buttered cabbage, pressure cooker cabbage, easy side dish, garlic butter cabbage, lemon cabbage