Baked Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Crisp, golden, and packed with nutritious goodness, these cabbage fritters are a deliciously unique way to enjoy humble cabbage. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light dinner, they blend the flavors of tender cabbage, fresh carrots, and fragrant spices into a truly irresistible treat. Whether pan-fried or baked for a lighter twist, these fritters offer a versatile recipe that adapts to your preferences.
Enjoy them as part of a clean-eating meal, or take advantage of the low-carb profile for a healthy snack that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Each fritter is lightly seasoned and can be customized with gluten-free or dairy-free options, making it suitable for nearly any diet. Plus, these fritters are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate!
Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to make these crunchy cabbage fritters a regular part of your meal rotation.
Key Ingredients for Cabbage Fritters
- Shredded Cabbage (16 oz) – The star of the show, cabbage adds a tender crunch that becomes sweet and flavorful when cooked.
- Large Eggs (3) – Essential for binding the fritters, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.
- Carrots (2 medium, grated) – Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color to each fritter.
- Scallions (2–3, sliced) – Provides a mild oniony bite; feel free to substitute with a small onion for a stronger flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth and aroma, balancing the mildness of cabbage and the sweetness of carrots.
- Flour (4–5 tbsp) – Helps bind the fritter mixture; use gluten-free or grain-free options like almond or arrowroot flour as desired.
- Sea Salt (1 tsp) & Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Basic seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Paprika (½ tsp) – Adds a subtle smokiness; smoked paprika elevates this further.
- Ground Coriander (½ tsp, optional) – A light floral note that pairs beautifully with the cabbage.
- Cooking Fat (3–4 tbsp) – Use ghee, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil for frying, giving each fritter a crisp outer layer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cabbage Fritters
- Prepare the Ingredients: Shred the cabbage to thin slices, grate the carrots, and mince the garlic. If using scallions, slice them thinly; if using an onion, dice it finely for even cooking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, garlic, eggs, and flour. Sprinkle in the seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, and coriander. Gently mix by hand until everything is evenly coated, avoiding pressing the cabbage too hard.
- Form and Fry the Fritters: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, add a tablespoon of oil, and let it warm up. Scoop a small amount of cabbage mixture, form it into a loose ball, and place it on the skillet. Flatten it with a spatula and fry for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, and repeat with the rest of the mixture, adding more oil as needed. Serve the fritters warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Fritters
- Control Moisture: The cabbage mixture can release liquid as it sits. Stir any released liquid back into the batter before frying, as this helps the fritters bind better.
- Double Up for Speed: If you’re in a hurry, use two skillets to cook the fritters simultaneously and cut down on cooking time.
- Choose Your Flour Wisely: Starchier flours like cassava or arrowroot work wonders here for a cohesive batter. Gluten-free or almond flour options add a light nutty flavor if desired.
Delicious Variations for Cabbage Fritters
For a cheesy twist, add ½ to ¾ cup of grated cheese like feta, Parmesan, or cheddar to the batter. Dairy-free options work well too, offering the same creaminess and flavor boost. If you prefer extra herbs, mix in a handful of fresh parsley or dill for added brightness. For a touch of spice, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper brings a mild heat that complements the fritters beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Your Fritters
To keep any leftover fritters fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, crisp them up in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side, or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soggy.
Make these cabbage fritters a go-to for your next meal! They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and packed with flavor—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, tastier snack.
Baked Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Ingredients
Fritter Mixture
- 16 oz shredded cabbage about 7 cups, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 medium carrots grated
- 2 –3 scallions thinly sliced (or 1 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 –5 tbsp flour substitute gluten-free or grain-free as desired
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander optional
- 3 –4 tbsp cooking fat for frying ghee, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Shred the cabbage using a mandoline for uniform thin slices (approximately 1/3 of a medium head of cabbage). Grate the carrots and finely mince the garlic. If using scallions, thinly slice them; otherwise, use a regular onion.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cabbage, carrots, scallions, garlic, eggs, and flour. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and coriander. Toss the ingredients gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined, taking care not to press too hard, as this may release excess moisture from the cabbage.
Form and Fry the Fritters:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 3 minutes. Add your choice of cooking fat, allowing it to heat for 1 minute. Scoop a portion of the cabbage mixture into your hands, form a loose ball, and place it on the skillet. Flatten it with a spatula until thin. Fry each fritter for approximately 3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.