How Do You Soften Cabbage Leaves in the Microwave for Cabbage Rolls

If you are looking for the fastest way to prepare cabbage leaves for cabbage rolls, then this post is for you. I will share with you the easiest way to soften the cabbage, using a microwave. In 10 minutes, you will have cabbage leaves ready for wrapping delicious stuffed cabbage rolls. They will be easy to handle with any type of stuffing.

This method of cooking is more appropriate to use for young vegetables because blanching and boiling does not fit the purpose. Leaves of young cabbage are easily broken apart. Let’s see how to prepare the whole cabbage in microwave for cabbage rolls.

Softened Cabbage Leaves Recipe

You will need:

• 1 cabbage head;
• Microwave;
• Microwave-safe plate;
• Plastic food wrap.

How to prepare cabbage leaves for cabbage rolls in the microwave:

• Let’s prepare our cabbage head for further use in the recipe. Choose cabbage wisely. Try getting a head without any cracks or damage and preferably with thinner leaves. Rinse it thoroughly under running water. Pat it with paper towels until it dries. Get rid of all the damaged outer leaves if necessary.

• The next step would be to core the cabbage. First, get rid of the stalk in the way that you see in the picture.

• Then using a sharp knife, make the hole deeper and make sure that it is tapered towards the middle.

• You should place the cabbage head on the microwave-safe plate and wrap it up with a food plastic wrap. If you have no plastic wrap, use a clean new plastic bag.

• Set microwave on high power – 850-1000 watts. Cook medium-sized cabbage heads for 6-7 minutes and the big ones for 10 minutes in the microwave. Leaves will be steaming due to moisture released from leaves.

• Take the cabbage out of the microwave. Be careful and use some potholders, as the head can be too hot. Let it cool down before removing the plastic wrap.

• Separate the leaves one at a time. If you see that some leaves in the middle are not ready, wrap them up again. Repeat the process of microwaving once again. Now, if the leaves are too big, cut them in half. Cut out the tough stem part of every leaf.

• Wrap cabbage rolls using cabbage leaves that you just prepared in the microwave. Here is my favorite way to make delicious cabbage rolls with minced meat: Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe.

If you liked the way on How to Soften Cabbage for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, I would appreciate it so much if you would share it on Pinterest or you could give it a star review!

You can also prepare softened cabbage leaves for cabbage rolls using another method. You can boil cabbage head on the stove for some time until the leaves turn yellow. For the full description of the process, you can check out the recipe.

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5 from 5 votes

Softened Cabbage Leaves Recipe

Learn how to soften cabbage leaves in the microwave - easy way to cabbage in the microwave!

Course Ingredient, Side Dish

Cuisine International

Keyword can you microwave cabbage for cabbage rolls, how long to cook cabbage in microwave, how to soften cabbage leaves in microwave, microwave cabbage for cabbage rolls, microwave cabbage leaves, steaming cabbage in microwave

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 22kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cabbage

Instructions

• Let’s prepare our cabbage head for further use in the recipe. Choose cabbage wisely. Try getting a head without any cracks or damage and preferably with thinner leaves. Rinse it thoroughly under running water. Pat it with paper towels until it dries. Get rid of all the damaged outer leaves if necessary.
• The next step would be to core the cabbage. First, get rid of the stalk in the way that you see in the picture.
• Then using a sharp knife, make the hole deeper and make sure that it is tapered towards the middle.
• You should place the cabbage head on the microwave-safe plate and wrap it up with a food plastic wrap. If you have no plastic wrap, use a clean new plastic bag.
• Set microwave on high power – 850-1000 watts. Cook medium-sized cabbage heads for 6-7 minutes and the big ones for 10 minutes in the microwave. Leaves will be steaming due to moisture released from leaves.
• Take the cabbage out of the microwave. Be careful and use some potholders, as the head can be too hot. Let it cool down before removing the plastic wrap.
• Separate the leaves one at a time. If you see that some leaves in the middle are not ready, wrap them up again. Repeat the process of microwaving once again. Now, if the leaves are too big, cut them in half. Cut out the tough stem part of every leaf.
• Wrap cabbage rolls using cabbage leaves that you just prepared in the microwave.

Notes

*calories per 100 g

Leave all your questions in the comment section below, and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. The process of microwaving cabbage leaves is as simple and easy to follow as it seems. You need only a few utensils and zero extraordinary skills to soften cabbage in a microwave.

Julia Miller

Julia Miller is the founder of FreeFoodTips. Julia loves to travel and test new recipes. Here you will find recipes that are simple, delicious and perfect for everyday meals. FreeFoodTips is also packed with cooking tips and tricks.