Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Name: Paleo Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 1 head of green cabbage, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; Protein of choice (chicken, sausage, beef, or chickpeas/tofu); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional spices (paprika, cumin, fresh herbs)

I can’t wait to share this delightful and incredibly easy Paleo Cabbage Skillet with you! Honestly, it’s become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights when I want something that’s both satisfying and healthy. This dish is packed with flavor and vibrant vegetables that will have you singing its praises. Let’s dive into the recipe together!

What Is Paleo Cabbage Skillet?

At its core, Paleo Cabbage Skillet is a simple one-pan dish that combines cabbage with a medley of delicious ingredients, making it not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. It features lovely textures, rich flavors, and can fit seamlessly into a variety of dietary needs. You can add your favorite proteins, swap the veggies, and adapt it to suit your taste. Trust me, after you whip this up, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t try it sooner!

Ingredients Overview for Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Here’s what you will need for the Paleo Cabbage Skillet:

Cabbage: The star of the show! I love using green cabbage, but feel free to try Napa cabbage or even red for a colorful twist.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat to sauté everything. Avocado oil works well, too.
Onion: Adds a lovely sweetness and aroma. Yellow or red onions are both great choices.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love that yummy garlic flavor? Fresh is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Carrots: For a pop of color and crunch. You can swap these for bell peppers if you prefer.
Protein of Choice (Chicken, Sausage, or Beef): Feel free to use what you have on hand. Even chickpeas or tofu could be great for a vegetarian twist!
Spices: Salt, pepper, and any other favorites like paprika or cumin to deepen the flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten everything up nicely.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Prep the ingredients: Chop your cabbage, onions, and carrots. Mince that garlic, too. It makes a big difference in flavor!
Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and warm it over medium heat.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant about 2 minutes.
Add in carrots: Stir in the carrots and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Cook the cabbage: Gradually add the chopped cabbage, stirring often, until it wilts down.
Incorporate your protein: Once the cabbage has softened, stir in your chosen protein and season with salt, pepper, and other spices. Cook until the protein is cooked through (if using meat).
Serve and enjoy: Once everything is combined and delightful, serve your Paleo Cabbage Skillet warm. It’s perfect as a side dish or a filling main.

Serving Suggestions

This Paleo Cabbage Skillet is super versatile! You can serve it as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or as a base for tacos. Sometimes, I even add a fried egg on top for extra protein. Yum! This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some crusty Paleo bread on the side.

Tips For the Perfect Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Cut Vegetables Uniformly: This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings according to your preference. Sometimes, just a pinch of more salt or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor.
Bulk It Up: Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Make a Big Batch: This recipe stores really well, so feel free to double it! It’s perfect for meal prep. Simply pop leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just make sure to check any added sauces or proteins for hidden gluten.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just omit the meat and add in chickpeas or extra veggies for protein.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: You can keep leftovers in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Why You’ll Love It

This Paleo Cabbage Skillet is honestly one of those recipes that never gets old! It’s full of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and can be customized based on what you have in your pantry. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for those hectic weeknights. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, which is a total win in my book!

Behind The Scenes

While developing the Paleo Cabbage Skillet, I had a few hilarious mishaps in the kitchen. One time, I got distracted while chopping my veggies, and let’s just say my chopping skills weren’t exactly top-notch that day. The uneven pieces cooked at different rates, which taught me to pay attention while I cook—whoops! On the brighter side, once I finally perfected the dish, I was so excited to share it on my Pinterest page here. It’s amazing how a little patience can lead to something so delicious!

Let me know how your version turns out! I hope it becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Happy cooking!