Red Cabbage Sauerkraut (Fermented Red Cabbage)

Published: Aug 7, 2023 Modified: Aug 19, 2024 by Elizabeth · 48 Comments

Learn how to make this red cabbage sauerkraut recipe at home. It uses just 3 ingredients and is great for gut health. Never buy this fermented side dish from the store again!

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I wish I'd known sooner how easy it is to make my own red cabbage sauerkraut.

Requiring just 3 ingredients (cabbage, salt and water), all you have to do is leave the mixture on a countertop to ferment for a few days and that's it!

You'll end up with a lightly tangy, savoury and salty sauerkraut that goes great in a vegan grilled cheese sandwich or veggie burger.

It tastes much better than store-bought versions and doesn't have that strong vinegary taste.

The best part? This quick red cabbage sauerkraut recipe doesn't require any cabbage massaging or sauerkraut burping (as I don't ferment with a lid on).

What is fermentation?

In simple words, fermentation is the breakdown of a substance into a simpler substance.

This breakdown is usually performed by yeasts, bacteria or other microorganisms.

In this process, cabbage is converted to sauerkraut due to growth and acid production by a succession of lactic acid bacteria.

I learned this method of lacto-fermentation from a nutritionist I worked with several years ago, and I just love how simple the process is.

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Health benefits of eating sauerkraut

Naturally fermented sauerkraut is really healthy.

It's rich in probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) as a result of fermentation.

Red cabbage also contains a good amount of vitamin C, fibre, and minerals like iron and copper.

Eating sauerkraut is an easy way to get those good bacteria that strengthen the overall immune system.

Red cabbage in particular also has higher amounts of many nutrients than white or green cabbage, which is why I've chosen to use it.

Ingredients for sauerkraut with red cabbage on a marble slab

What you'll need

Red cabbage - The star ingredient. Sometimes called purple cabbage. A great place for lactic acid bacteria to grow (that works magic in fermenting sauerkraut!).

Salt - Use fine ground sea salt as you're mixing it into water and don't want to make that more difficult by using coarse!

Salted water or brine preserves the cabbage dish while preventing unwanted growth that can interfere with the fermentation process.

Water - Filtered water, ideally, to avoid the introduction of other substances as the kraut ferments.

1 litre/32 oz mason jar or glass jar with lid - Make sure it's really clean so you don't end up with any bad bacteria during fermentation.

You can also a specialized fermentation vessel like a fermentation crock if you've been in the home fermentation game for a while now.

How to make red cabbage sauerkraut

1) Ensure your mason jar is totally clean by sanitizing or washing it in hot soapy water.

2) Set aside one piece of cabbage that's slightly larger than the mouth of the mason jar (this is what we'll use to cover the rest of the cabbage).

3) Slice the rest of the cabbage thinly. Aim to make each piece similar-sized, so they all ferment at the same speed.

4) Place the sliced cabbage in the jar, pressing it down tightly to cram as much in as possible. Fill up to the neck of the jar.

5) Dissolve sea salt in water to create a brine. Pour over the cabbage, right up to about 2cm from the mouth of the jar.

6) Fit the large piece of cabbage on top of the rest below the water line, tucking the corners down below the neck of the jar.

(This will keep the other pieces of cabbage underneath the water's surface while they ferment.)

7) Place a sheet of paper towel on top of the jar, securing with string/elastic band.

8) Leave to ferment on your countertop for 4 days, checking each day and topping up brine if any has evaporated.

If a white scum appears on top of the cabbage at any point, simply scoop it off with a clean spoon.

9) After 4 days, sample it. If the cabbage is fermented to your taste, place a lid on the jar and store in the fridge (it will keep for several months).

If not, leave on the countertop for a day or two longer, until desired taste is reached!

Check out my web story showing you how to make quick sauerkraut here!

Salt water being poured into jar of red cabbage

How long does it take to make sauerkraut?

In my experience, it takes about 4-5 days to ferment this red cabbage sauerkraut at home, depending on room temperature and other factors.

Leaving it to ferment longer than this is a matter of personal preference.

Just make sure it has enough brine to cover the shredded cabbage.

I've left mine up to 8 days before for a tangier flavour!

How to store

This sauerkraut should be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge.

In my experience, it will last several months (if you don't eat it all sooner).

How to eat sauerkraut

It's so tasty, you could just eat it on its own if you want!

I like to have a small amount on the side of savoury main dishes to get the probiotic benefits.

Sauerkraut goes really well with fatty meals as the tangy flavor complements them.

It's great in sandwiches, hotdogs and buddha bowls as well as on avocado toast and vegan cheese boards. You could even add it to fresh vegan spring rolls!

What to eat sauerkraut with

Kitchen towel being affixed to jar of red cabbage sauerkraut

Adding flavours to red sauerkraut

Once you've grasped the basics, there are so many delicious ways to customize this fermented red cabbage recipe!

Personally, I really like adding garlic for an extra savoury taste.

But there are lots of other options such as red cabbage and beetroot sauerkraut, and red cabbage sauerkraut with ginger.

Try adding any of these:

Garlic - Peel 3 cloves, slice them in half and add to jar before cabbage.

Ginger - Thinly slice a thumb of fresh ginger and add to jar before cabbage.

Beetroot - Grate beetroot and mix with cabbage before adding to jar.

Cumin Seeds - Add 1 tablespoon of seeds to jar before adding cabbage.

Carrot - Grate carrot and mix with cabbage before adding to jar.

Tips

Choosing your salt - Make sure you use a salt that's finely ground, and not coarse.

This will make it much easier to stir into water when making brine.

Use good quality sea salt, kosher salt or Himalayan salt.

Avoiding mould - Make sure your glass jar is thoroughly cleaned before beginning, to avoid unwanted bacteria.

If any small white bubbles appear while the cabbage is fermenting, this is normal - just wipe them away with a clean paper towel.

Red or white cabbage for sauerkraut - If you're wondering what the best cabbage for sauerkraut is, it depends on your personal preferences.

White cabbage is traditionally used, but personally I prefer the taste of red, and I find it contains more nutrients (see health benefits).

Jar of red cabbage sauerkraut with a fork over it.

FAQs

What does red cabbage sauerkraut taste like?

Delicious. It's a savoury, subtle tasting sauerkraut. Generally, I find red cabbage has a less strong, spicy taste than white.

I also find it smells less, so this homemade red cabbage sauerkraut recipe is perfect even for first time fermenters!

Does cabbage smell when it's fermenting?

Yes, it can have a bit of a 'cabbage-y' smell. This is a normal part of the fermentation process, but if it becomes really strong it may be a sign that you've got mould (see tip above on how to avoid it).

Is homemade sauerkraut healthier than store-bought?

Usually, yes. Store-bought often tends to be pasteurized, and is sometimes made by just adding vinegar instead of using the natural fermentation process.

Although there are some exceptions to this, I find it's just easier/cheaper/healthier to make my own sauerkraut!

Is pickled cabbage the same as sauerkraut?

No. Although the flavours can be similar, pickled cabbage is created by adding vinegar, whereas sauerkraut is made through fermentation, resulting in a more nutritious food.

More How To Guides

(Psst! If you're new to a vegan diet, check out my 28 Easy Vegan Recipes for Beginners.)

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