Paleo Cabbage Skillet

Save this article on:

I love how one simple pan can transform humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish. This Paleo Cabbage Skillet is exactly that—earthy, hearty, and bursting with caramelized flavors from just a few key ingredients. The best part? It’s fast, clean, and full of nourishment without needing anything fancy.

When I need a quick meal that aligns with my clean-eating goals but still delivers on comfort, this is the skillet I reach for. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, but it’s also filling enough to stand alone, especially when I want something warm and grounding. I always find myself going back for seconds.

---

Why You’ll Love This Paleo Cabbage Skillet

This dish is a total flavor bomb with minimal effort. It’s Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just health food; it’s comfort food with a little attitude. The cabbage gets tender and golden with those sweet, crispy edges while the kale adds texture and earthy depth. A kick of chili flakes brings just enough heat to wake it all up.

---

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

You can use green cabbage, Savoy, or even Napa cabbage, depending on what’s available. I prefer green cabbage for its hearty bite and ability to brown beautifully in the skillet. Its sturdiness holds up well to high heat and allows you to get those delicious crispy edges without it falling apart.

---

Options for Substitutions

• Kale: If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach or Swiss chard. They’ll cook down faster but still bring a nice pop of green.
• Coconut aminos: These add a subtle umami and sweetness, but tamari (if you’re not strict Paleo) or a splash of apple cider vinegar and honey can work too.
• Garlic & onion: Fresh is best, but you can sub with granulated versions in a pinch.
• Red pepper flakes: Leave them out for a milder version or swap with smoked paprika for a warm flavor without heat.

---

Ingredients for This Paleo Cabbage Skillet

• Green cabbage: The star of the dish. It becomes sweet and golden when seared, with crispy edges that add texture.
• Kale: Offers a hearty, slightly bitter contrast to the cabbage, balancing flavors and boosting nutrition.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth once caramelized.
• Garlic: Aromatic and savory, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Coconut aminos: Adds a rich umami flavor and slight sweetness that replaces soy sauce in Paleo cooking.
• Olive oil or avocado oil: Used for sautéing and helps caramelize the vegetables without burning.
• Red pepper flakes: For just the right touch of heat and complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors.

---

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the cabbage into medium-sized pieces, de-stemming and tearing the kale into bite-sized pieces, slicing the onion thin, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fast.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and start to turn golden. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow browning, then toss. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the cabbage becomes tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

---

Step 4: Add the Kale

Once the cabbage has softened and caramelized, stir in the kale. It will wilt quickly, about 2–3 minutes. Stir well to combine with the cabbage and aromatics.

---

Step 5: Season and Finish

Pour in the coconut aminos and toss everything to coat evenly. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.

---

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve straight from the skillet while it’s hot and glistening. It can be a main dish on its own or an excellent side to roasted or grilled protein.

---

How Long to Prepare the Paleo Cabbage Skillet

This dish is a lifesaver when time is short. The total cooking time is around 20–25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: It takes about 10 minutes to chop the cabbage, kale, onion, and garlic. Prepping everything ahead makes the cooking seamless.
• Cook Time: Around 15 minutes total—just enough to caramelize the cabbage and sauté everything to perfection.

---

Tips for Perfect Paleo Cabbage Skillet

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cabbage needs room to brown, not steam.
• Let the cabbage sit undisturbed in the skillet for a few minutes to get those crispy, golden edges.
• Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
• Add kale last to preserve its color and texture.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—coconut aminos add saltiness, so go light on salt initially.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the skillet: This will steam the veggies instead of browning them.
• Not using enough oil: A light coat ensures proper caramelization.
• Cooking kale too long: It will turn mushy and lose its vibrant green.
• Using high heat the entire time: Medium-high is best; too hot and the garlic can burn.
• Skipping the seasoning adjustments: Always taste and adjust before serving.

---

What to Serve With Paleo Cabbage Skillet?

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy and savory, they pair well with the skillet’s slightly sweet, crispy vegetables.

2. Baked Salmon

The richness of salmon complements the earthy greens beautifully.

3. Cauliflower Rice

Keeps the meal low-carb while soaking up all the delicious pan flavors.

4. Fried or Poached Eggs

Top your cabbage skillet with an egg for a simple yet filling breakfast or dinner.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Add a touch of natural sweetness and heartiness to round out the plate.

---

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it for up to a month, but the texture of the cabbage may soften more upon reheating.
• Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until hot.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 380mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of kale works best?

Lacinato (dinosaur) kale or curly kale both work well. Just remove the tough stems before using.

Can I add protein to this skillet?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, sausage, or even leftover shredded chicken would mix in perfectly.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit based on your preference.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

Yes! It reheats well, so you can prep it ahead for several meals throughout the week.

What if I don’t have coconut aminos?

Use tamari or a splash of apple cider vinegar with a tiny bit of honey for a similar effect.

---

Conclusion

The Paleo Cabbage Skillet is proof that clean eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. It’s vibrant, nutritious, and packed with texture and flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it alongside your favorite protein, this skillet delivers on every level. One pan, real food, big flavor—exactly how a good meal should be.

---

Print