...

3-Ingredient Cabbage Fritters That Will Blow Your Mind

Spread the love

I’ll never forget the first time I made cabbage fritters – it was one of those “what do I do with all this cabbage?” moments that turned into a happy accident. These crispy little wonders became my go-to snack faster than you can say “second batch!” What I love most is how something so simple – shredded cabbage, a handful of pantry staples, and a quick fry – transforms into golden, crunchy perfection. They’re the kind of snack that disappears before it even hits the plate, especially when my kids catch that irresistible sizzle from the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these cabbage fritters, you’ll be making them on repeat!

Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Fritters

Let me tell you why these little crispy miracles have become my kitchen MVP:

  • Crazy quick – From bowl to plate in under 30 minutes (perfect for sudden snack attacks!)
  • That addictive crunch – Golden outside, tender inside – you’ll hear the satisfying crisp with every bite
  • Vegetarian magic – Even meat lovers go crazy for these (my husband still doesn’t believe it’s just cabbage!)
  • Endlessly versatile – Breakfast side? Check. Appetizer? Check. Midnight snack? Double check!

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has saved me when surprise guests show up. The empty plate says it all!

Ingredients for Cabbage Fritters

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy little wonders – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably have already:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage – Fresh is best! I like to use the medium holes on my box grater for perfect texture
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – The backbone of our batter (I’ve used gluten-free blends with great results too)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch – My secret weapon for extra crispiness
  • 1 large egg – Room temperature binds everything together beautifully
  • 1/4 cup water – Just enough to bring it all together without making it soupy
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Don’t skimp – this makes the flavors pop!
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if you’ve got it
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – The flavor booster that makes everyone ask “what’s in these?”
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions – For that little pop of color and freshness
  • Oil for frying – I use vegetable or canola – about 1/2 inch in the pan

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical!

How to Make Cabbage Fritters

Now for the fun part – turning these simple ingredients into golden, crispy perfection! I’ve made these cabbage fritters so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turn out just right.

Mixing the Batter

First, grab your biggest mixing bowl – trust me, you’ll want the extra space for stirring. Toss in the shredded cabbage, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your clean hands to mix everything together – there’s something so satisfying about feeling the textures combine!

Make a little well in the center and crack in the egg. Pour the water around the edges, then start mixing from the center outward. You’re looking for a thick, sticky batter that holds together when you scoop it. If it seems too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. Too wet? A sprinkle more flour will fix it. The green onions go in last – just fold them gently through the batter.

Frying to Perfection

Here’s where the magic happens! Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Test the oil with a tiny bit of batter – if it sizzles immediately, you’re golden (pun intended!). Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the oil, gently flattening them slightly with the back of your spoon. Don’t crowd the pan – I do about 4 at a time.

Now the hardest part – patience! Let them fry undisturbed for about 3 minutes until the edges look crispy and golden. Flip carefully with a slotted spoon and fry another 2-3 minutes. When they’re done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. That first bite of a warm cabbage fritter straight from the pan? Absolute heaven!

Tips for the Best Cabbage Fritters

After making these cabbage fritters more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for absolute perfection:

  • Squeeze it out! – After shredding, press cabbage in a clean towel to remove excess water. Wet cabbage = soggy fritters (learned that the hard way!)
  • Oil thermometer is your friend – 350°F is the sweet spot. Too hot burns the outside, too cool makes them greasy.
  • Small batches win – Overcrowding drops the oil temp fast. I do 4-5 fritters max per batch for even crispiness.
  • Season boldly – Taste your batter before frying! Cabbage needs more salt than you think to really shine.

Oh, and pro tip: double the batch. They disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”

Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Fritters

Oh, the possibilities! These crispy bites shine with a simple soy sauce dip (my go-to), but don’t stop there. Try them with:

  • Cooling yogurt sauce – Greek yogurt + lemon + dill = perfection
  • Spicy mayo – Just mix mayo with sriracha to taste
  • Sweet chili sauce – That sticky-sweet heat is addictive

I’ve served them as appetizers with all three dips at parties (always a hit!), or piled high next to fried eggs for the ultimate breakfast side. Honestly, they’re so good I’ve been known to eat them straight off the cooling rack – no judgment!

Storing and Reheating Cabbage Fritters

Here’s the good news – these cabbage fritters reheat like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that craving hits, pop them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to bring back that irresistible crunch. Pro tip: Skip the microwave unless you like them soft – trust me, the extra few minutes in the oven are worth it for that just-fried crispiness!

Cabbage Fritters FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time – here are the answers straight from my cabbage-fritter-obsessed kitchen:

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! While frying gives that perfect crisp, you can bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a greased sheet. Flip halfway and spritz with oil for browning. They won’t be quite as crunchy, but still delicious – my sister’s oven-baked version disappears just as fast!

What other veggies can I add?

Oh, get creative! Shredded carrots or zucchini work beautifully (just squeeze out extra moisture). My neighbor adds corn kernels for sweetness, and I sometimes throw in finely chopped bell peppers for color. The basic batter is your playground!

Can I make the batter ahead?

Here’s the thing – the cabbage releases water over time, so I don’t recommend making batter more than 30 minutes early. But! You can prep all ingredients separately and mix right before frying. Shredded cabbage keeps great in the fridge overnight if you want a head start.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that it stops me from eating three at a time!):

  • Per serving (2 fritters): 120 calories
  • 5g fat (1g saturated)
  • 15g carbs (2g fiber)
  • 3g protein

Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary based on oil absorption and ingredient brands. But let’s be real – when something tastes this good, who’s counting?

Now it’s your turn! Try this cabbage fritter recipe and tell me in the comments – did they disappear as fast at your house as they do at mine?

Print

3-Ingredient Cabbage Fritters That Will Blow Your Mind

Crispy and flavorful cabbage fritters that are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or side dish.

  • Author: Sophia Collins
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 fritters 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, flour, cornstarch, egg, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Stir in chopped green onions.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
  5. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh cabbage for the best texture.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 fritters
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cabbage fritters, easy appetizer, vegetarian snack

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating