How long to cook red cabbage: 45 min to 1 h braised, 1½–2 hours in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan), 6–8 hours in a slow cooker and 8–10 min pan-fried. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook red cabbage
Times are for 1 small red cabbage (about 800 g), for 6–8.
Red cabbage: cooking times by method
Method
Time
Heat
How
Braise
45 min to 1 h
covered, on a low heat on the hob
Stir now and then; add a splash of water if it catches.
Quarter, core and shred finely. For braised red cabbage, add a sliced apple and onion, a splash of vinegar and a spoonful of sugar.
How to tell it’s done
Soft and glossy, with no crunch left.
Questions
How long to braise red cabbage?
45 min to 1 h covered, on a low heat on the hob. Stir now and then; add a splash of water if it catches.
How long to cook red cabbage in the oven?
1½–2 hours at 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3. Braised, covered, in a casserole dish.
How long to cook red cabbage in a slow cooker?
6–8 hours on low. Or 3–4 hours on high.
How long to pan-fry red cabbage?
8–10 min over a medium-high heat. Stir-fried in oil for a crunchy side or slaw.
How long to microwave red cabbage?
10–12 min on full power, covered. Shredded with the apple, vinegar and 3 tablespoons of water; stir twice.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.