With step-by-step instructions and pictures, you can learn how to cut cabbage into squares for dishes like Haluski and Corned Beef and Cabbage.
I rarely post recipes, but I frequently receive questions about how to chop cabbage.
One of the vegetables I enjoy eating is cabbage, but it’s so troublesome to purchase and chop.
First, there is no such thing as a small cabbage. The “smallest” head is about 2 pounds. That’s enough cabbage for the entire week when cooking for two!
Every now and then, a nearby farm will cut cabbage heads in half, package each piece in plastic wrap, and then sell the halves. But since this is uncommon, I try not to rely on it.
Then you have to cut the cabbage. Even though chopping cabbage is simple once you know where to cut, it is not naturally intuitive.
To demonstrate how to chop cabbage into squares (or as close to squares as cabbage can be), I took step-by-step photos.
This is the cut I use for my haluski and stuffed cabbage soup, as well as my corned beef and cabbage.
This manual only addresses green cabbage, but the method is also applicable to red cabbage.
5 Steps to Cut Cabbage Wedges for Corned Beef
I typically remove the outer leaves of the cabbage before cutting it. These leaves are typically the dried ones that have turned dirty and brown, or those that have been exposed to air and potentially harmful airborne bacteria.
Although the older outer leaves can be washed and cooked as well, it might take some time for them to soften, lengthening the cooking time.
Wash the Whole Cabbage
Wash the entire head of cabbage once the outer leaves have been removed. Normally, I hold the entire head of cabbage under running water to remove any dirt from its corners.
But others aren’t contented with washing it with running water. Some people take their time to boil water, then immerse the cabbage for 1-2 seconds. This is to guarantee that every bacteria is eliminated by the hot bath.
Cut the Cabbage Head Into Half
Place the cabbage on the cutting board with its stem under and side down after making sure the entire head of cabbage is clean. The leaves of the cabbage must remain intact for your corned beef, so you shouldn’t remove the stem.
Cabbage wedges are commonly used in corned beef. It not only looks delicious, but it also goes well with the food.
Cut the Halves Into Quarters
The next step is to cut the halves into quarters. Put the flat side of each cabbage half down on the cutting board and make a middle cut. You now have four pieces of quarter sizes cabbage.
Then, locate the core of the cabbage and remove it. This cabbage component is typically discarded as vegetable waste because it is rarely used in cooking. But what kind of bread goes well with corned beef and cabbage?
Cut Into Eighths (If Desired)
You can cut your cabbage leaves again into eighths if you prefer them to be smaller. This is ideal if you have children at home because smaller cabbage leaf fragments are simpler for them to chew.
To prevent contamination, make sure you have completed all of the aforementioned steps before adding it to the corned beef.
Should You Remove the Core of the Cabbage?
Yes, the core of the cabbage should be removed because corned beef should not be served with it. It is thicker, more difficult to chew, and inappropriate for blending with any food
But there are other approaches to getting the core ready that will ensure its wise use. You can chop up this portion of the cabbage and combine it with cole slaw. You now have a crunchy twist with your treat.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Origins
According to my research, corned beef and cabbage is widely recognized as a traditional Irish dish because it is frequently served at Irish homes during St. Patrick’s Day.
Contrary to popular belief, corned beef and cabbage is not at all a traditional Irish dish.
Corned beef was introduced to Ireland by the British Empire. Because it resembled bacon and was made of pork, Ireland’s preferred meat, they accepted the delicacy and used it frequently.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 mins
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs corned beef brisket with spice packet
- 10 pcs small red potatoes
- 5 pcs medium carrots
- 1 large head cabbage
Instructions:
Add the spice packet to the Dutch oven with the corned beef and bring to a boil. Simmer until fork-tender. Peel and chop the carrots, then slice the potatoes and cabbage into wedges.
Cook the potatoes and carrots for 10 minutes after adding them. Add cabbage wedges and let it cook. Remove the meat and let it rest before slicing.
Serving: 6
How is cabbage used in corned beef and cabbage prepared?
Green cabbage is the type of cabbage used in corned beef and cabbage. The inside leaves are paler green to white and have smooth, darker outer leaves.
Because it is less expensive and simple to locate in any supermarket, it is the most commonly used corned beef.
How healthy is corned beef and cabbage?
In particular, corned beef is high in protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals. Cabbage has high Vitamin C and antioxidants.
But since corned beef is tenderized by salt and spices, it is also high in sodium, so you should watch your consumption of this dish. [2]
Can you cut cabbage a day ahead?
Yes, if you store the cabbage properly, you can cut it a day in advance. Put it in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
However, pre-cut cabbage can gradually lose some of its freshness and crispness, so it’s best to cut it as soon as you intend to use it.
Do you rinse the cabbage after cutting?
No, it may not be necessary to rinse the cabbage after cutting because the heat will kill any bacteria. The decision to rinse the cabbage after cutting is ultimately yours, but it’s always a good idea to do so if you didn’t wash it first.
Although cutting cabbage into wedges might seem easy, doing it correctly can really enhance the flavor of your dish. You will consistently get perfect wedges by following these instructions.
To ensure that you and your family can enjoy the flavorful dish with the most affordable healthy vegetable, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and cut according to the cooking instructions.
Your next meal can include freshly cut cabbage wedges, and you can impress your family and friends with your newfound abilities. Keep in mind that mastering this straightforward technique can improve your culinary skills. So embrace the skill of cutting cabbage, and let it take your experience eating corned beef to new heights. Bon appétit!.
References:
How To Cut Cabbage
FAQ
How to cut cabbage for corned beef and cabbage dinner?
Cut cabbage into small wedges. When the corned beef has cooked for two hours, add the potatoes and carrots; cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender and the meat is fork-tender. Add cabbage and cook until tender, about 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest for 15 minutes.
How do you cut cabbage wedges for corned beef and cabbage?
After drying, place the cabbage on a cutting board with the stem end up and cut it in half. To ensure that the wedges of cabbage are held together by the core, lay each half on its cut side and cut it into two to four wedges.