If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly light, you’ve got to try my Cabbage Fritters Recipe. These crispy little gems are packed with fresh cabbage and shredded carrots, all held together with a simple batter and fried to golden perfection. I absolutely love how versatile and easy they are to whip up, plus they make for a fantastic snack, side dish, or even a main course when paired right. Stick with me here—I’m going to share all my tried-and-true tips to help you nail these every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making it a no-fuss recipe.
- Healthy and Flavorful: It’s a great way to enjoy veggies with a crispy, satisfying crunch.
- Versatility: Eat them warm, cold, or pair with your favorite sauces and sides for any occasion.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, store leftovers, and they reheat beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cabbage Fritters Recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together perfectly. I always recommend using fresh produce and quality flour to get the best texture—you’ll notice the difference right away.

- Shredded cabbage: I use a mandoline slicer to get those nice, fine ribbons for the best fritter texture.
- Carrots: Grated fresh, they add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Scallions or onion: Gives a subtle zing—scallions keep it lighter, onions add more depth.
- Eggs: They’re our natural binder, helping everything stick together perfectly.
- Flour: I’ve found both gluten-free and grain-free options work great—cassava flour is my go-to for a light, crispy finish.
- Garlic: Minced or grated fine, it adds just the right kick without overpowering.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, paprika (smoked paprika is my fave), and optional coriander give this recipe its signature flavor punch.
- Fat for frying: I prefer ghee for its lovely nutty aroma and high smoke point, but avocado oil works wonderfully too.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this cabbage fritters recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs, you can switch things up—and I encourage you to make it your own.
- Cheesy additions: I often add grated parmesan or feta to the batter for a richer flavor; it gives the fritters an irresistible savory boost.
- Spice it up: Toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a little heat—my family loves the subtle kick.
- Grain-free option: Swap out regular flour for cassava or almond flour to keep it paleo-friendly.
- Baked version: For a lighter take, bake the fritters at 420°F for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through—perfect when you want less oil.
How to Make Cabbage Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies for the Best Texture
Start by shredding about 16 ounces of cabbage. I love using a mandoline slicer here because it gives you these nice, thin, even strips that cook up so nicely and hold together well. Then grate your carrots and thinly slice scallions or a regular onion. Mince your garlic finely—you don’t want any big chunks sneaking in. This step is key because uniform pieces cook evenly and create a perfect balance in each bite.
Step 2: Combine Gently to Keep It Light
In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced scallions, minced garlic, eggs, flour, and seasonings together. I like to do this gently—using my hands works best—to avoid squeezing out too much moisture from the cabbage. At first, the mixture might seem a bit loose, almost like a slaw, but don’t worry! That’s normal. The magic happens when you fry.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Heat your non-stick skillet over medium-low heat (I usually set my burner to about 3). Add your fat—ghee is my fave because it adds flavor and handles heat well. Let it warm for about a minute before adding your fritters. Form the mixture into balls and gently press them flat in the pan—thinner fritters cook through better and get crispier. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Use two skillets if you have extra batter; this speeds things up and helps keep the pan temperature consistent.
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Fritters Recipe
- Don’t Discard the Liquid: You might see some watery liquid at the bowl’s bottom from the cabbage juice and eggs; gently fold it back into your batter before frying each batch—it helps bind everything beautifully.
- Use Two Skillets: This trick keeps your pan hot and means less waiting between batches, so your fritters get crispy instead of soggy.
- Press Thinly: The thinner your fritters, the crispier and better cooked inside they’ll be—thick patties can stay a bit raw in the middle.
- Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: Mixing in ½ to ¾ cup of grated cheese like feta or parmesan takes these from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cabbage Fritters Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping these fritters with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream, sprinkled with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, fresh note that really cuts through the richness. If you want a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or chili oil works wonders.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, or alongside roasted veggies for a filling meal. I’ve also enjoyed them with a bowl of soup—think creamy tomato or chicken broth—to soak up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer platter, serve mini versions topped with smoked salmon, a small dollop of cream cheese, and a sprig of dill. Or stack larger fritters with layers of avocado, tomato slices, and a drizzle of herb sauce for a colorful party centerpiece. I’ve done this on a brunch spread and everyone couldn’t stop raving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I pop any leftover cabbage fritters into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great reheated. Just make sure they’re not stacked too tightly to preserve their crispness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these fritters successfully by laying them out single-layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When frozen solid, they won’t stick together. This way, I can pull out exactly how many I want without hassle. They freeze best un-garnished.
Reheating
The best way to reheat, in my experience, is using a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to bring back their crispiness. The microwave tends to make them soggy, so I avoid it unless I’m in a rush. For frozen ones, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat the same way.
FAQs
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Can I make cabbage fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out regular flour for gluten-free options like cassava, almond, or arrowroot flour. I recommend cassava for a crispier texture, but feel free to experiment with what you have.
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What’s the secret to crispy cabbage fritters?
The key to crispiness is frying at a medium-low heat and making fritters nice and thin. Also, incorporating any liquid that pools in the batter back into the mix before frying helps bind the fritters better and ensures a crunchy crust.
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Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 420°F for about 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway, works great if you prefer less oil. For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last minute or two.
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How do I keep cabbage fritters from falling apart?
Using eggs and flour as binders is essential. Also, don’t overmix or squeeze the cabbage; gentle folding preserves moisture without making it soggy. Pressing the fritters thinly before frying helps them hold together better.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! You can add grated zucchini, chopped spinach, or even corn kernels to mix it up. Just be mindful of extra moisture and adjust your flour accordingly to keep the right batter consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Fritters Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re making a quick snack or a side dish for dinner, these fritters deliver a satisfying crunch and fresh flavor that your whole family will enjoy. I promise, once you try them, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe—as I do—because some meals just feel like a warm hug. Give them a go, and I’d love to hear how your kitchen adventures turn out!
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Cabbage Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 17 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy and flavorful Cabbage Fritters are a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable-packed snack or side dish. Made with shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, eggs, and a flavorful blend of seasonings, these fritters are perfectly pan-fried to a golden brown crisp. They can also be baked for a healthier alternative. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or appetizer, they’re easy to prepare and customizable with your choice of flour and optional cheese.
Ingredients
Cabbage Fritter “Batter”
- 16 oz shredded cabbage (about 7 packed cups or 1/3 medium head)
- 2 medium-small carrots, grated
- 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced (or 1 regular onion)
- 3 large eggs
- 4-5 tbsp flour (gluten-free or grain-free options like cassava, arrowroot, or almond flour recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
For Frying
- 3-4 tbsp fat (ghee, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any heat-resistant oil)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ to ¾ cup grated cheese (feta, parmesan, cheddar, or dairy-free alternatives)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and shred the cabbage finely using a mandoline slicer to achieve about 16 oz (7 packed cups). Thinly slice scallions or chop a regular onion, grate carrots, and finely mince garlic.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions or onion, minced garlic, eggs, flour, and seasonings together using your hands to coat everything evenly. Take care not to overmix to prevent drawing excess moisture from the cabbage. The mixture will initially look like a slaw but will bind once cooked.
- Heat the skillet and fat: Warm a 10-inch non-stick or ceramic-coated skillet over medium-low heat (about setting 3 on the stove) for roughly 3 minutes. Add 3-4 tablespoons of your preferred frying fat such as ghee or avocado oil and allow it to heat for 1 minute.
- Shape and fry the fritters: Form a ball with a portion of the cabbage mixture, then flatten it in your hand and place it in the skillet. Press down with a spatula or your fingers to form a thin patty for even cooking. Fry each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the rest of the batter, adding more fat as needed. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- To bake instead of frying: Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C). Line a pan with lightly greased parchment paper. Shape cabbage patties and flatten slightly. Bake for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispness, broil during the last minute.
- While frying, you may notice liquid collecting at the bottom of the bowl. This slurry is a mix of egg, flour, and cabbage juice and acts as a binder—gently reincorporate it before shaping new fritters.
- Flour options include gluten-free and grain-free varieties such as cassava, arrowroot, or almond flour; starchier flours work best.
- Optional cheese additions like grated feta, parmesan, or cheddar (including dairy-free options) are recommended at ½ to ¾ cup for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (approximate)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg


