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    You Are Here Home » Pickling and Preserving Recipes

    Published: Mar 10, 2023 Updated: Mar 10, 2023 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 12 Comments

    Fermented Cabbage (Sauerkraut)

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    fermented cabbage in a jar

    This easy fermented cabbage is absolutely delicious and packed with probiotics! Try it with a Reuben Sandwich on Sourdough or enjoy it as a topping on a wide variety of dishes!

    This fermented cabbage is the perfect topping for sandwiches, burgers, sausages, salads, and even ramen (trust me, it's amazing.) You can also eat a couple spoonfuls of fermented cabbage by itself every day to promote gut health and boost immunity!

    According to Healthline in an article titled 8 Fermented Foods and Drinks to Boost Digestion and Health, "Eating fermented foods can boost the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in your gut. Probiotics are associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, better immunity, and even increased weight loss."

    Jump to:
    • 🧐 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒What Goes Into This Recipe
    • 🔖 Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
    • 🥬 How To Make This Recipe
    • 🍽 Serving Suggestions
    • 🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
    • 🥒Other Fermented & Pickled Recipes
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
    • 🌶 Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🧐 Why This Recipe Works

    • Fermenting cabbage is incredibly easy!
    • This fermented cabbage recipe requires only a few ingredients.
    • Making sauerkraut at home is cheaper than buying it at the store.
    • You can start enjoying your fermented cabbage after just a week!

    🛒What Goes Into This Recipe

    fermented cabbage ingredients

    🔖 Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions

    • Cabbage: I used green cabbage, but you can also make red cabbage sauerkraut with red cabbage.
    • Brine: Water and sea salt.
    • Spices: Mustard seeds, coriander, caraway seeds, and crushed red pepper. You could substitute the crushed red pepper with a Serrano pepper or other fresh peppers, or leave it out entirely!
    • Garlic: I love the flavor that garlic imparts to fermented cabbage. If you're not a fan, you can leave it out.
    • Optional Ingredients: You can also add juniper berries, shredded carrots, and dill seed.

    🥬 How To Make This Recipe

    Step 1: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage then wash throughly. Next, chop the cabbage with a sharp knife and add it to a large non-metallic bowl. Add slivered garlic, spices, and half of the salt. Stir to combine.

    cabbage being chopped
    cabbage and spices in a bowl
    salt being added to cabbage for fermenting

    Step 2: Let the cabbage sit for at least 15 minutes then stir once more.

    cabbage being stirred

    Pro tip: Most fermented cabbage recipes recommend smashing the cabbage and allowing it to release its juices anywhere from 1-2 hours before bottling it. I've tried it both ways and found that the end result is the same.

    Step 3: Pack the shredded cabbage mix into 2 sterilized, wide-mouthed 1-quart mason jars using a rubber spatula or non-metallic spoon.

    cabbage being packed into jars for fermenting
    cabbage packed into a jar

    Step 4: Combine 2 cups of water and the remaining salt and stir to dissolve. Pour over the cabbage until it reaches the rim of the jar. Loosely cap the jar with a sterilized lid.

    salt being mixed with water
    salt water being poured over cabbage

    Step 5: The cabbage will begin to bubble as it ferments, so place jars on a rimmed tray or glass dish to catch the juices. Store somewhere cool (between 65 and 72 degrees F).

    jars sitting in a tray

    Pro Tip: If you have an airlock you can use it to keep impurities out while allowing the air bubbles to escape. You can buy fermenting lids with the airlocks, however, they are not absolutely necessary!

    fermented cabbage in a jar

    Step 6: Every few days, look inside the jar to see if the water level has fallen below the rim. If so, top it off with more salt water, using 1 ½ teaspoon of salt for every cup of water. If the cabbage is floating to the surface, push it back down until the cabbage is submerged.

    cabbage floating to the top of the jar
    pushing cabbage down with rubber spatula
    cabbage floating to the top of the jar
    fermented cabbage covers with fermenting weights

    Pro Tip: If you have fermenting glass weights, they do a great job of keeping the cabbage submerged in the brine during the fermentation process. This will eliminate mold forming on the cabbage that's being exposed to oxygen.

    Step 7: You can ferment your sauerkraut for 1 to 3 weeks, tasting it every few days, until the desired flavor and texture is achieved.

    Sauerkraut in a jar

    🍽 Serving Suggestions

    Homemade sauerkraut is so much tastier than the bagged or canned kraut you can buy in stores. Add it to hot dogs, brats, or make a delicious reuben sandwich with some smoked corned beef brisket, Swiss cheese, and fermented cabbage.

    You can also use fermented sauerkraut to make kielbasa and sauerkraut.

    kielbasa and sauerkraut in a bowl

    🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

    What is fermented cabbage called?

    Fermented cabbage is usually called sauerkraut, which means "sour cabbage". However, there are many kinds of fermented cabbage known by many names across cultures including Korean kimchi, Hatian pikliz, and Vietnamese dua cai chua.

    How long does it take to ferment cabbage?

    Fermenting cabbage takes at least one week, but it becomes more flavorful the longer it ferments. You can leave your cabbage to ferment for up to 6 weeks, although for many people 3 weeks seems to be the sweet spot.

    Does fermented cabbage have probiotics?

    Fermented cabbage is filled with probiotics and nutrients that can help boost your immune system and promote gut health. In fact, 2 ounces of sauerkraut contains more probiotics than 100 probiotic capsules!

    🥒Other Fermented & Pickled Recipes

    • Jerusalem Artichoke Recipe (Pickled Sunchokes)
    • Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • Pink Onions Pickled in Beet Juice
    • Torshi Assyrian Pickled Vegetables
    • Quick Pickled Red Cabbage (red cabbage sauerkraut)
    Sauerkraut in a jar

    👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

    • Don't use metallic utensils or bowls when making fermented cabbage. The metal reacts with the acid from the cabbage, causing your sauerkraut to taste like metal.
    • Fermenting weights really help with keeping the cabbage submerged in to the brine so if you have them, definitely use them!
    • If you don't own fermenting weights set aside a cabbage leaf when you first start. Once the shredded cabbage is bottled, place the reserved cabbage leaf on top to keep the cabbage from floating to the surface.
    • You can use this recipe to make red cabbage sauerkraut by swapping purple cabbage for the green cabbage.

    🌶 Related Recipes

    • pickled grape leaves in a jar
      Pickling Grape Leaves
    • pickled mangoes in a jar
      Middle Eastern Pickled Mangoes (Amba)
    • refrigerated dill pickles on a table in the garden
      Zesty Refrigerator Dill Pickles
    • pickled nasturtium seeds in a bottle
      Pickled Nasturtium Seeds

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    fermented cabbage on a red towel

    Easy Fermented Cabbage (Sauerkraut)

    This is an incredibly easy way to ferment cabbage and make your own sauerkraut! Ferment it for 1-3 weeks and enjoy as a topping for a wide variety of dishes!
    5 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiments
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Fermenting Time: 7 days days
    Total Time: 7 days days 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 32 servings
    Calories: 11kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 1 large cabbage (2 lbs)
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 5 tsps sea salt (divided)
    • ½ teaspoon coriander
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

    Instructions

    • Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage then wash throughly. Next, chop the cabbage with a sharp knife and add it to a large non-metallic bowl. Add slivered garlic, spices, and half of the salt. Stir to combine.
    • Let the cabbage sit for at least 15 minutes then stir once more.
    • Pack the shredded cabbage mix into 2 sterilized, wide-mouthed 1-quart mason jars using a rubber spatula or non-metallic spoon.
    • Combine 2 cups of water and the remaining salt and stir to dissolve. Pour over the cabbage until it reaches the rim of the jar. Loosely cap the jar with a sterilized lid.
    • The cabbage will begin to bubble as it ferments, so place jars on a rimmed tray or glass dish to catch the juices. Store somewhere cool (between 65 and 72 degrees F).
    • Every few days, look inside the jar to see if the water level has fallen below the rim. If so, top it off with more salt water, using 1 ½ teaspoon of salt for every cup of water. If the cabbage is floating to the surface, push it back down until the cabbage is submerged.
    • You can ferment your sauerkraut for 1 to 3 weeks, tasting it every few days, until the desired flavor and texture is achieved.

    Notes

    • Most fermented cabbage recipes recommend smashing the cabbage and allowing it to release its juices for 1-2 hours before bottling, but I've tried it both ways and the end result is the same.
    • If you have fermenting glass weights, use them. They do an excellent job of keeping the cabbage submerged in the liquid and not exposed to oxygen as it ferments.
    • If you have an airlock you can use it to keep impurities out while allowing the air bubbles to escape. You can buy fermenting lids with the airlocks, however, they are not absolutely necessary!
    • Don't use metallic utensils or bowls when making fermented cabbage. The metal reacts with the acid from the cabbage, causing your sauerkraut to taste like metal.
    • If you don't own fermenting weights set aside a cabbage leaf when you first start. Once the shredded cabbage is bottled, place the reserved cabbage leaf on top to keep the cabbage from floating to the surface.
    • You can use this recipe to make red cabbage sauerkraut by swapping purple cabbage for the green cabbage.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruby says

      August 12, 2023 at 2:23 am

      5 stars
      excellent.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        August 12, 2023 at 5:15 am

        Thank you, Ruby!

        Reply
    2. Marce says

      July 14, 2023 at 6:15 pm

      "You can ferment your sauerkraut for 1 to 3 weeks, tasting it every few days, until the desired flavor and texture is achieved."

      What do you do with it once it's ready? Do you store it in a separate jar?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        July 14, 2023 at 6:19 pm

        Hi Marce, No, you don't need to store it in a separate jar. Keep it in the same jar and refrigerate or process in hot water canner for longer storage.

        Reply
    3. Cheryl Krumrine says

      June 22, 2023 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first try at sauerkraut. It is the best I've ever had. It's now in my permanent collection. I have no need for a different recipe. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        June 22, 2023 at 4:52 pm

        Thanks, Cheryl, it's our favorite too. Thank you for the review!:)

        Reply
    4. Cheryl krumrine says

      May 29, 2023 at 2:24 am

      5 stars
      This was my first attempt at making sauerkraut. It was the best I've ever tasted. I cannot imagine making a different recipe. The seasonings made it extraordinary!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        May 29, 2023 at 6:20 am

        Hi Cheryl, Wow, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as we do.

        Reply
    5. FoodJunkie says

      March 21, 2023 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      A nice straightforward recipe for one of my favourite foods. How much would you consider to be in one serving?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 21, 2023 at 11:31 am

        Hi,
        One serving is 1/4 cup. Thank you so much for the review!

        Reply
    6. Beni says

      March 16, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      An easy recipe for healthy sauerkraut. I like the suggestions of how to incorporate it in your meals. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 16, 2023 at 2:32 pm

        Thank you, I hope you enjoy it, it's so good for you!

        Reply

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