If you’re on the hunt for an easy, crunchy, and downright delicious snack or side dish, you’ve got to try this Cabbage Fritters Recipe. I absolutely love how these fritters turn cabbage — usually a humble veggie — into crispy little golden patties that everyone in my family goes crazy for. They’re quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for those moments when you want something comforting yet light. Stick around, because I’m going to share my best tips and tricks to help you nail these every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to go gluten-free or add your favorite cheese, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.
- Deliciously Crispy: The perfect balance of golden, crispy outsides and tender, flavorful insides every time.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find stuff needed—just everyday veggies and pantry staples.
- Great for Any Meal: Breakfast, snack, side dish, or light dinner—you can’t go wrong.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this cabbage fritters recipe come together to create a mixture that’s fresh, hearty, and crispy once cooked. I always recommend using fresh cabbage and carrots because they add great texture and sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Cabbage: Shredded finely is key for even cooking and that delightful crisp texture.
- Carrots: Grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture — plus, they boost the color!
- Scallions or Onion: I like scallions for a subtle onion flavor, but a regular onion works too and adds a bit more depth.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and help the fritters hold their shape.
- Flour: You can use all-purpose, gluten-free, or grain-free flours like cassava or almond for a different twist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of aroma and taste.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional coriander make these fritters flavorful without overpowering the veggies.
- Fat for Frying: Ghee is my favorite, but avocado or grapeseed oil works beautifully too as they handle heat well.
Variations
I love tailoring these cabbage fritters depending on what I have on hand or the season. You can mix and match flavors easily, so don’t hesitate to get creative and put your own spin on it.
- Add Cheese: I often sprinkle in some grated feta or parmesan — it adds a lovely salty tang and richness that takes the fritters to another level.
- Spice It Up: Throwing in some chili flakes or swapping paprika for smoked paprika really amps up the flavor.
- Make It Grain-Free: Using almond or cassava flour instead of traditional flour works great and keeps things paleo-friendly.
- Bake Instead of Fry: When I want to keep it lighter, I bake the fritters. Just pop them in the oven at 420°F and flip halfway through for crispy edges.
How to Make Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by shredding about 16 ounces of cabbage very finely — I always use my mandoline slicer here because it’s super quick and creates uniform shreds. You want around 7 packed cups, which is roughly a third of a medium cabbage. Then grate your carrots and thinly slice your scallions or onion. Don’t forget to mince your garlic finely; it really wakes up the whole batch.
Step 2: Combine and Toss Gently
In a large bowl, toss all your veggies, eggs, flour, garlic, and seasonings together lightly. I usually use my hands for this step because it’s easier to mix evenly without crushing the veggies (you want to avoid releasing too much water). At this point, your mixture will look kind of like a slaw—don’t worry if it seems loose. This is normal, and those fritters will stick together once fried.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium-low heat (I set mine to about 3 on my stove). Add your fat (ghee is my favorite) and let it warm for about a minute. Form the fritter mixture into balls with your hands, then gently press them flat in the pan — the thinner, the better for even cooking! Fry for around 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the rest of the batter, adding more oil if needed. One great trick I discovered is if you see some liquid pooling at the bottom, stir it back into the mixture before frying the next batch to keep everything cohesive.
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Fritters Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle folding keeps cabbage crisp and helps prevent sogginess—less is more here!
- Use Two Skillets If Needed: To keep cooking efficiently and prevent cooling the pan, I sometimes fry batches simultaneously.
- Press Thinly: The thinner your fritters, the crispier and more evenly cooked they’ll be inside and out.
- Save That Liquid: The slurry of egg, flour, and cabbage juice helps bind everything perfectly—incorporate it back instead of discarding.
How to Serve Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these fritters with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving really brightens the dish. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
Side Dishes
These fritters go wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or a big bowl of roasted veggies. They also pair super well with a simple cucumber and tomato salad or even some steamed greens for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like stacking the fritters like mini patties between layers of avocado or hummus spread, then serving them as sliders. They’re colorful and fancy-looking, but still easy to eat and share at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cabbage fritters in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before packing to avoid sogginess from steam.
Freezing
These fritters freeze amazingly well. I flash-freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, just pop them in the oven or toaster oven for a quick reheat and crisp-up.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy magic, I always reheat my cabbage fritters in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make them soggy. A quick toast on each side revives that golden crunch beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I make these cabbage fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! This cabbage fritters recipe can be made gluten-free by swapping regular flour for gluten-free alternatives like cassava flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free baking mix. Just keep an eye on the texture of the batter and adjust the amount slightly if needed to get the right consistency.
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How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
The key is to mix the ingredients gently without pressing too hard, and not to discard the liquid that pools in the bowl — it acts as a binder! Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough to create a crispy crust quickly, which helps the fritters hold their shape.
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Can I bake the cabbage fritters instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great option if you want a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 420°F, place the fritters on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for about 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for a minute at the end.
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Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?
Definitely! Grated zucchini, finely chopped spinach, or even corn kernels can be mixed in to change up the flavor and texture. Just make sure any added veggies aren’t too wet, or squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
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What’s the best oil to use for frying cabbage fritters?
I recommend ghee, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil because they have high smoke points and add great flavor without burning. These oils help achieve that golden and crispy texture that makes the fritters so addictive.
Final Thoughts
This cabbage fritters recipe became a staple in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet delivers amazing flavor and texture every time. I’ve made them on rushed weeknights, lazy weekends, and even for invites, and they never disappoint. You’ll find yourself reaching for this go-to more than you expect, especially when you want a little crispy veggie goodness with minimal fuss. Trust me on this one—give the recipe a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Print
Cabbage Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 17 fritters
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy and flavorful Cabbage Fritters are a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a quick and easy recipe. Made from shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, and a simple batter, these fritters are pan-fried to a golden crisp on the outside while tender inside. They can be served warm or cold, and also offer a healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks with options for gluten-free and grain-free flours.
Ingredients
Cabbage Fritter Batter
- 16 oz shredded cabbage (about 7 packed cups or 1/3 of a 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 (any type; gluten free or grain free like cassava, arrowroot or almond flour recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
For Frying
- 3-4 tbsp fat for frying (ghee, avocado oil, grape-seed oil, or any healthy heat-resistant oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and shred the cabbage finely using a mandoline slicer or knife. Grate the carrots, thinly slice the scallions or onion, and mince the garlic.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, minced garlic, eggs, flour, and seasonings to lightly coat everything evenly. Avoid overmixing to prevent excess liquid from drawing out.
- Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick or ceramic-coated skillet on medium-low heat for about 3 minutes to warm up. Add the fat for frying and allow it to heat for 1 minute.
- Form and fry fritters: Shape a portion of the mixture into a ball, then place it in the skillet and press down with a spatula or hand to flatten thinly for even cooking. Fry for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process with remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.
- Serve and enjoy: The fritters can be enjoyed warm or cold, as a snack, side dish, or light meal.
Notes
- To bake: Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C). Place flattened fritter patties on lightly greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 minute at the end.
- While frying, liquid may accumulate—this acts as a binding agent. Gently mix it back in before frying each batch.
- Use any flour of choice: gluten free, grain free (cassava, arrowroot, almond), or a blend. Starchier, finer flours work best.
- Add cheese (feta, parmesan, cheddar, or dairy-free) if desired, about ½ to ¾ cup, for extra flavor and binding.
- Cook fritters thinly for the best texture and thorough cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (approximate)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg