Cabbage Is Tastier Than Meat! Crispy Cabbage Fritters with Creamy Garlic Dip
There are some recipes that completely redefine how we see simple vegetables — and this cabbage fritter dish is one of them. It’s easy, satisfying, and surprisingly flavorful. Many who try it say, “I didn’t know cabbage could taste this good!” Forget about heavy meats for a moment — this dish is light, golden, crispy, and packed with savory goodness.
Cabbage is often underrated — seen as just a filler in salads or soups — but when shredded, combined with onions, garlic, eggs, and a touch of flour, it transforms into something extraordinary. Fried to golden perfection, these fritters are slightly crunchy outside and soft inside, releasing a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Pair them with a tangy garlic-yogurt dip, and you’ll have a dish that’s so good, it’ll vanish before you know it.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
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Cabbage – 500 g, finely shredded
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Onions – 2 medium, finely chopped
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
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Eggs – 3 large
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Flour – 4 tablespoons (about 60 g; use all-purpose or oat flour)
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Salt – 1 teaspoon (8 g) or to taste
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Pepper – ½ teaspoon (optional, adds a mild kick)
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Oil – for shallow frying (sunflower or olive oil works great)
For the Creamy Garlic Dip:
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Yogurt or sour cream – ½ cup (120 ml)
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Garlic – 1 clove, finely minced
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Dried dill or parsley – 1 teaspoon
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Salt – a pinch
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Chili flakes or paprika – a sprinkle on top for color
Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Base
Start by removing any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it into quarters and remove the core. Then, finely shred it — you can use a knife, mandoline, or food processor for even strips. Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
To make it tender and easier to mix, sprinkle the cabbage with a pinch of salt and gently squeeze it with your hands for 1–2 minutes. This step helps release moisture and softens the texture.
🧅 Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic. Add both to the cabbage bowl. These two aromatics are key — they give the fritters that deep, savory flavor similar to meat patties but lighter and more fragrant.
🥚 Step 3: Combine with Eggs and Flour
Crack the eggs directly into the bowl. Mix everything well until the cabbage mixture looks glossy and well-coated. Then sprinkle in the flour — this will bind the mixture together, making it easier to shape and fry.
Tip: You can use oat flour or chickpea flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free or higher-protein option.
Season with salt and pepper. Mix again until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The batter should hold together — if it feels too wet, add 1 more tablespoon of flour.
🍳 Step 4: Heat the Oil and Form the Fritters
Place a large skillet or non-stick pan on medium heat and pour enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a bit of batter — it should sizzle immediately), spoon portions of the mixture into the pan.
Flatten each fritter gently with a spatula to about 1 cm thick. Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches for best results.
🔥 Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Fry the fritters for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. The onions will caramelize slightly, giving a lovely aroma, while the cabbage becomes tender inside.
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
🧄 Step 6: Make the Creamy Garlic Dip
In a small bowl, combine yogurt (or sour cream), minced garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Sprinkle chili flakes or paprika on top for color and a slight heat. This dip complements the fritters beautifully, balancing their crispiness with cool creaminess.
🍽️ Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your cabbage fritters around the dipping bowl, as shown in the photo. Serve them warm and fresh — their crisp texture and deep flavor are irresistible right out of the pan.
Taste & Texture
Each bite is a perfect mix of crispy edges, soft centers, and a mild sweetness from the cabbage that pairs beautifully with the aromatic garlic and onion. The outside has that golden, crackly crunch, while the inside stays moist and fluffy — a combination that feels hearty without being heavy.
The yogurt dip adds a refreshing tang and makes every mouthful even more satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the texture.
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Freeze: Yes! You can freeze uncooked patties between parchment sheets for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen when needed.
Variations
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Cheesy Cabbage Fritters: Add ½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar for a rich, melty texture.
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Spicy Version: Mix in chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Healthy Air Fryer Option: Lightly brush fritters with oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Add Veggies: Grate in carrots or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~110 kcal
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Protein: 4 g
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Carbs: 8 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Fiber: 2 g
This makes it a wonderful low-calorie, high-fiber dish — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
Serving Ideas
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Serve with garlic dip or sour cream for classic flavor.
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Pair with rice and salad for a complete meal.
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Make mini fritters as appetizers for parties.
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Stack them into a “vegetable burger” with lettuce and tomato.
Common Questions
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush a baking sheet with oil and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Q2: Can I use red cabbage?
Absolutely. Red cabbage adds a gorgeous purple hue and slightly earthier flavor — though it may be a bit firmer, so cook slightly longer.
Q3: What flour is best?
Regular flour gives a classic fritter texture, while chickpea or oat flour makes it healthier and adds nuttiness.
Q4: Can I make them vegan?
Yes — replace eggs with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to form a “flax egg.”
Q5: What dip goes best besides garlic yogurt?
Try sweet chili sauce, tzatziki, or a spicy tomato salsa. Even ketchup works if you’re in a hurry!
Final Thoughts
This cabbage fritter recipe proves you don’t need meat for flavor or satisfaction. The humble cabbage shines here — crispy, golden, aromatic, and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite.
You’ll never look at cabbage the same way again — and next time someone says “vegetables are boring,” serve them this dish and watch their mind change instantly.
