Braised red cabbage is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brings color, warmth, and a gentle balance of sweet and tangy to the table. Gordon Ramsay’s version uses red wine vinegar, apples, and spices to complement the natural earthiness of the cabbage, making it perfect for roast dinners, holiday meals, or hearty mains.

What is Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage?

Gordon Ramsay’s red cabbage is a slow-cooked side dish made with shredded red cabbage, red onions, apples, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It’s gently braised until tender, allowing the ingredients to meld into a rich, sweet-sour dish with deep flavor and color. It’s often served alongside roasted meats, sausages, or festive main courses.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Deep, developed flavor
Combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
Perfect holiday side
Pairs beautifully with roasts, turkey, or ham.
Make-ahead friendly
Tastes even better the next day.

Simple ingredients, big result
Made from pantry staples and fresh produce.
Great for freezing
Batch-cook and freeze for future meals.
Colorful and elegant
Adds a pop of color and texture to any plate.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

1 medium red cabbage, cored and finely shredded
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
¼ cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or star anise for added spice

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Heat the oil or butter: In a large heavy-based saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
Sauté the onions: Add sliced red onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Add apples and spices: Stir in the apple slices, brown sugar, cloves (or spice of choice), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until apples start to soften.

Add the cabbage: Toss in the shredded red cabbage and stir well to combine with the onion and apples.
Deglaze with vinegar: Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir everything together, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cover and cook: Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are fully developed.

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar if needed before serving.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Roast duck or pork – The acidity cuts through the richness of fatty meats.
Sausages and mash – A comforting, hearty combination.

Holiday turkey or ham – A traditional match during festive dinners.
Game meats – Enhances venison or lamb beautifully.
Mashed potatoes or polenta – Creamy bases pair well with the tangy cabbage.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Shred cabbage evenly – This helps it cook at the same rate and look uniform.
Cook low and slow – Let it simmer gently to soften and develop depth.
Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness without overpowering.

Taste and adjust before serving – You may need to tweak the sweetness or acidity.
Make ahead for deeper flavor – It reheats well and improves with time.
Avoid overcooking – The cabbage should be soft but not mushy.

Add whole spices for aroma – Cinnamon or star anise gives it a subtle twist.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Add raisins or dried cranberries – Introduces a sweet, chewy texture.
Stir in balsamic vinegar – For a richer, more syrupy finish.

Mix in orange zest – Brightens the flavor and adds fragrance.
Add a splash of red wine – Enhances the depth and color.
Use butter for richness – Creates a silkier texture and flavor.

Top with toasted walnuts – For added crunch before serving.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Store in the refrigerator – Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and soggy texture.

Freeze for longer storage – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Label with date – Helps you track freshness if batch cooking.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Red Cabbage

Stovetop method: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid or wrap. Stir halfway through.
From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above. Add a splash of water or vinegar if needed.

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 130

Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 12g

Protein: 1g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 90mg

FAQs

Can red cabbage be made ahead of time?

Yes, red cabbage can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day. Prepare, cool, and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently before serving.

What vinegar is best for red cabbage?

Red wine vinegar is ideal for red cabbage as it provides a bold, tangy flavor. Apple cider vinegar also works well if you prefer a fruitier, milder acidity.

Why is my red cabbage too sour?

Too much vinegar can make red cabbage overly sour. Balance the flavor by adding a little more sugar or apple to mellow out the acidity.

Can I freeze braised red cabbage?

Yes, braised red cabbage freezes very well. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s red cabbage is a beautiful, flavorful side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. It’s easy to make, holds up well over time, and brings a welcome balance of sweetness and tang to your plate. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to side for roasts and special occasions.