Name: Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz shredded cabbage (about 7 packed cups, roughly 1/3 medium head); 2 medium-small carrots, grated; 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced (or 1 regular onion); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4-5 tbsp flour (use gluten-free or grain-free flour as needed); 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, ground; 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander (optional); 3 large eggs; 3-4 tbsp fat for frying (ghee, avocado oil, or grape-seed oil recommended)

I absolutely adore this Cabbage Fritters Recipe because it transforms simple ingredients like cabbage and carrots into crispy, golden bites of comfort. Every time I make these fritters, I’m amazed at how satisfying and flavorful they turn out, without any fuss. They’re a perfect combination of crunchy edges and tender insides, seasoned just right to make your taste buds sing. I’m excited to share just how easy and versatile this recipe is—a true kitchen favorite for me.

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Fritters Recipe

When I first tried this Cabbage Fritters Recipe, I was blown away by the layers of flavor it delivers. The mild sweetness of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the subtle earthiness of the carrots and the gentle kick from spices like paprika and coriander. The crispy outside gives a wonderful contrast to the soft interior, creating a texture that keeps me coming back for more.

One of the best parts for me is how straightforward this recipe is. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated techniques. I just shred the cabbage finely, grate the carrots, toss everything together with a few staples like eggs and flour, then fry until perfectly crisp. It’s a stress-free way to get something homemade and impressive on the table in under an hour.

I love serving these fritters on all kinds of occasions. They’re great for a casual weeknight dinner, yet also elegant enough to bring to a brunch or holiday gathering. What makes this Cabbage Fritters Recipe really stand out is that it feels like comfort food without the heaviness, plus it’s easy to customize to fit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with white shredded cheese at the center. Around the bowl, there are two brown eggs, an orange carrot, a whole onion, and two cloves of garlic. Next to the cheese bowl, there is a small clear bowl with white flour and three small white dishes containing black pepper, a dark red spice, and salt. A bunch of fresh green onions lies on the left side. A dark gray cloth is partially visible on the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll be surprised how just a few simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create such a delightful dish. Each component plays a key role in the final flavor, texture, and appearance of these fritters.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

16 oz shredded cabbage: The star of the dish, providing crunch and mild sweetness.
2 med-small carrots (grated): Adds vibrant color and a subtle natural sweetness.
2-3 scallions or 1 regular onion: Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the fritters.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
4-5 tablespoon flour: Helps hold the fritters’ shape; you can use gluten-free or grain-free options to suit preferences.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of savory aroma and depth.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
½ teaspoon black pepper (ground): Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palette.
½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note.
½ teaspoon coriander (ground, optional): Offers a slight citrusy, nutty undertone if you like extra flavor complexity.
3-4 tablespoon fat for frying: I prefer ghee, but healthy oils like avocado or grape-seed work beautifully for that golden crust.

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing your ingredients. Wash the cabbage thoroughly and shred it finely with a mandoline slicer so you get uniform, delicate strands—this ensures your fritters cook evenly.

Step 2: Thinly slice the scallions or dice the regular onion finely. Grate your carrots using the box grater, and mince the garlic cloves, or grate them for a finer texture that blends nicely.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, minced garlic, eggs, flour, and all the spices (salt, pepper, paprika, and coriander if using).

Step 4: Gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid releasing excess moisture from the cabbage—it should feel lightly coated and hold together.

Step 5: Heat your skillet on medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. Add the ghee or chosen oil and let it warm for another minute until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 6: Take a handful of the mixture, shape it into a small ball, and carefully place it on the skillet. Press it down flat with a spatula or your palm—thinner fritters cook more evenly with a crispy crust.

Step 7: Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip carefully and cook another 3 minutes until both sides are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Adjust your heat as needed, so they don’t burn but get a perfect crust.

Step 8: Repeat the frying process with the remaining mixture, adding a bit more fat to the skillet as necessary. Serve these fritters warm or at room temperature—they’re delicious any way you enjoy them.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 17 fritters, depending on how large you make them, which is perfect for serving 4-6 people as a side or appetizer. The prep time is around 20 minutes, mostly for shredding and assembling. Cooking each batch takes about 30 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is roughly 50 minutes. Since these fritters taste great both warm and cooled, no extra resting time is needed before enjoying.

How to Serve This Cabbage Fritters Recipe

The image shows three golden brown crispy potato pancakes cooking in a black non-stick pan. Each pancake is made of thin, shredded potatoes that are tightly packed, with some edges slightly darker and crunchy. The pancakes have a textured surface with bits of potato strands sticking out, showing a mix of light yellow and deep brown colors. The background beneath the pan is a white marbled texture. The focus is on the front two pancakes, with the third one slightly blurred in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these cabbage fritters, I like to add a fresh, vibrant side to balance their crispy texture. A simple yogurt or sour cream dip with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill brightens the plate instantly. They also pair amazingly well with a crisp green salad or a tangy cucumber salad to keep things light and refreshing.

For presentation, I usually stack a few fritters on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate, garnished with extra scallions or a dusting of paprika for that inviting pop of color. Little ramekins of sauce on the side make dipping fun, especially if you’re hosting. These fritters are perfect for casual family dinners, brunches with friends, or even as party finger food that everyone reaches for.

Pairing drinks really depends on the occasion—I love serving them with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light bubbly rosé to complement the fritters’ subtle spice. For non-alcoholic options, a cold sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea works wonderfully. You can enjoy these fritters hot right from the skillet, warm on the plate, or even at room temperature, which makes them very versatile for any gathering.

Variations

Over multiple batches, I’ve found this Cabbage Fritters Recipe lends itself well to lots of creative twists. If you want to swap out some ingredients, shredded zucchini or finely chopped kale can add a different texture and flavor dimension. Grated sweet potato is another lovely addition for a natural sweetness boost.

If you’re catering to dietary needs, you can easily make these fritters gluten-free by substituting the flour for almond flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free blend. For a vegan take, try replacing eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” mix—though the texture might be a little softer, it’s still delicious.

I also enjoy experimenting with spices. Sometimes I add a pinch of cumin or cayenne for a little heat, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika to change up the smoky flavor. Cooking methods can also vary: these fritters do well baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a hands-off approach, just be sure to flip halfway through to get both sides crispy.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cabbage fritters, I recommend letting them cool completely, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days without losing too much of their delightful texture or flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these fritters! I like to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, so they don’t stick together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them a convenient option for quick meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, I avoid microwaving since it can make the fritters soggy. Instead, I gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for a few minutes on each side to bring back that crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps restore their delicious crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I typically use green cabbage for its mild flavor and texture, you can try napa cabbage for a softer fritter or red cabbage for a pop of color and a slightly earthier taste. Just keep in mind the moisture content may vary, so adjust cooking times slightly.

What can I serve with cabbage fritters to make it a full meal?

I love pairing these fritters with a fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or a simple soup to round out the meal. Adding a protein like grilled chicken or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also make it more filling and balanced for dinner.

Are these fritters suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These fritters hold up well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making them ideal for prepping ahead. Just store them properly and reheat with care to maintain their crisp texture.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Definitely! Baking is a great alternative if you want to reduce oil use. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. They won't have quite the same deep crunch as frying but will still be tasty.

How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

The key is not to over-mix or press too hard when combining the ingredients, and to use enough egg and flour as binding agents. Pressing them thinner while frying also helps them cook through evenly and hold together better.

Conclusion

I hope this Cabbage Fritters Recipe inspires you to bring something simple yet incredibly delicious into your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes I make again and again because it never fails to satisfy and impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these fritters are a delightful way to enjoy humble ingredients in a totally new way. Give them a try—you might just find a new favorite!