There is something truly irresistible about the humble Cabbage Fritters Recipe that easily transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a crispy, flavorful delight. With a perfect balance of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and aromatic spices all wrapped up in a golden crust, these fritters are as comforting as they are versatile. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a tasty snack, or a charming appetizer to share, this recipe brings vibrant color and satisfying texture to your table with ease and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cabbage Fritters Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp shredded cabbage giving body and crunch, to the aromatic garlic and spices that awaken your palate.
- 16 oz shredded cabbage: The star ingredient, providing a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 2 medium-small carrots (grated): Adds vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness to balance flavors.
- 2-3 scallions or 1 regular onion: For a mild oniony bite that elevates the overall aroma.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together with a silky texture.
- 4-5 tbsp flour: Helps absorb moisture and gives structure; gluten-free or grain-free options work perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch to each fritter bite.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances natural flavors throughout the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle heat.
- 1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika): Delivers earthy color and a hint of sweet smokiness.
- 1/2 tsp coriander (ground, optional): Offers a light, citrusy note for added complexity.
- 3-4 tbsp fat for frying (ghee or oil): The secret to that crispy, golden crust everyone will love.
How to Make Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and cutting all your ingredients carefully. Use a mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage finely and uniformly, which helps the fritters cook evenly and hold together better. Grate the carrots to add color and sweetness, then thinly slice the scallions or onion for a mild aromatic layer. Mince the garlic finely to infuse the mixture with its warm, pungent essence.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced scallions, minced garlic, eggs, flour, and spices. The key here is to combine the mixture lightly—too much pressure will release water from the cabbage, making the batter soggy. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little like slaw at this point; the magic happens when you start frying!
Step 3: Heat Your Pan and Fry
Use a good quality non-stick skillet or ceramic-coated pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Once warm, add your choice of fat, like ghee or avocado oil, allowing it to get hot enough to sizzle the batter. Form the fritter mixture into balls with your hands, then gently press them down into a thin patty in the pan. The thinner shape ensures a perfectly cooked center with a crunchy outer crust. Fry each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown before flipping and repeating.
How to Serve Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
These fritters shine brightest when dressed with simple, fresh garnishes like a dollop of tangy sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or a drizzle of zesty yogurt sauce. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving also adds a refreshing lift that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cabbage Fritters Recipe with light salads, pickled vegetables, or a hearty grain bowl for a wholesome meal. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a cooling cucumber raita can complement the savory flavors and texture of the fritters wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transform these fritters into sliders by sandwiching them between mini buns with your favorite spreads and toppings. Alternatively, serve them stacked with layers of avocado slices, sliced tomatoes, and fresh greens for a vibrant, veggie-packed snack or appetizer that’s bursting with colors and tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage fritters store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to maintain their crispness when reheated later.
Freezing
You can freeze these fritters by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to one month and make a fantastic quick snack when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy goodness, reheat your cabbage fritters in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. This restores their crunchy texture and prevents sogginess, giving you that freshly made feel in just minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both green and purple cabbage work well, though green cabbage tends to be milder and softer, while purple will add a pop of color and a slightly earthier flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, simply by swapping regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just note the texture might be a touch different, but still delicious and satisfying.
What oil is best for frying cabbage fritters?
Choose oils with a high smoke point like ghee, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil to get that perfect crispy crust without burning the fritters.
Can I add other vegetables to these fritters?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in finely chopped zucchini, corn kernels, or bell peppers to add extra flavor and nutrition, but keep the vegetable moisture in mind to avoid sogginess.
How do I make sure the fritters hold together while frying?
Using enough eggs and flour is key here; they act as binders. Also, avoid pressing or mixing the batter too vigorously to prevent releasing water from the cabbage, which can make the fritters fall apart.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Fritters Recipe is a treasured go-to that brings together simple ingredients into a crispy, flavorful bite everyone will adore. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your meals with a bit of flair. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and discover how approachable and rewarding this dish is—you might just find yourself making them on repeat!
Print
Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Cabbage Fritters are a crispy, flavorful vegetarian snack made with shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, and a blend of spices, bound together with eggs and flour, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, these fritters are easy to prepare and delicious warm or cold.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 17 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz shredded cabbage (about 7 packed cups, roughly 1/3 medium head)
- 2 medium-small carrots, grated
- 2–3 scallions, thinly sliced (or 1 regular onion, thinly sliced)
- 3 large eggs
- 4–5 tbsp flour (use gluten-free or grain-free flour if desired)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander (optional)
- 3–4 tbsp fat for frying (ghee, avocado oil, or grape-seed oil preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and cut all vegetables. Shred the cabbage finely using a mandoline slicer for uniform texture. Thinly slice the scallions or regular onion and grate the carrots. Mince the garlic finely or use the finer side of a grater.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced scallions/onion, minced garlic, eggs, flour, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and coriander. Gently toss everything together using your hands, being careful not to press too hard to avoid drawing excess water from the cabbage. The mixture will initially look like a loose slaw.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick or ceramic coated 10-inch skillet on medium-low heat (around setting 3 on your stove) for approximately 3 minutes.
- Add frying fat: Pour 3-4 tablespoons of ghee or your chosen heat-resistant oil into the skillet and allow it to heat for 1 minute.
- Shape and fry fritters: Form a ball of the cabbage mixture in your hands, place it in the hot skillet, and press down to flatten using a spatula or your hands. Make the fritters relatively thin to ensure even cooking.
- Cook each side: Fry the fritters for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Repeat and serve: Continue shaping and frying the remaining mixture, adding additional oil or ghee as needed. Serve the fritters warm or chilled as desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free or grain-free flour options to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- The fritters hold together better after frying despite the initial loose texture of the batter.
- For healthier options, choose heat-stable oils such as ghee, avocado oil, or grape-seed oil for frying.
- Shredding cabbage finely helps achieve a crispier texture and better binding.
- These fritters are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian