How to Shred Cabbage 4 Ways

Cabbage can be used in almost endless ways. It can bulk up a veggie soup or stir-fry recipe, be the base for a crunchy, cool coleslaw or be the star in a dish of comforting cabbage rolls. If your recipe calls for shredded cabbage, it’s tempting to spend the extra cash and just buy a bag. But that could really add up, especially if you buy it weekly. Instead, start with a whole head of cabbage. We’ll show you how to shred cabbage quickly in four ways, no matter what tools or how much time you have.

Preparing Cabbage for Shredding

Before you start shredding, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do to prepare the cabbage.

1. Pull off any wilted or bruised outer leaves from the cabbage.
2. With a knife, trim off the cabbage stem so it sits flat on a cutting board.
3. Starting from the rounded top of the cabbage, slice straight down the middle to cut it in half.
4. Turn the halves cut-side up, make a diagonal cut on each side of the triangular core and remove and discard it.
5. Lay each half flat side down, and cut in half again. You’ll end up with four quarters.

Once your cabbage has been shredded, be sure to wash and dry the shreds before adding to your recipe.

Techniques for Shredding Cabbage

Now that the cabbage is prepped, it’s time to shred. Here are four methods for shredding cabbage: with a knife, a box grater, a mandoline and a food processor. The best method for you will depend on which tools you have on hand, how exact your cuts need to be and how much time you have.

How to shred cabbage with a knife​

Hand-cutting with a knife gives you the most control over the size and appearance of the cabbage shreds. Cut the ribbons evenly and thinly for a traditional slaw, or vary the width of your slices for a more rustic look, as in roasted cabbage and onions. If you’re looking for very uniform shreds or are short on time, another method might be better, since this one depends on good knife skills.

1. Grab a sharp kitchen knife and a cutting board. You can place a damp paper towel or a kitchen towel under the board to keep it from moving.
2. Place one cabbage quarter, flat side down, onto a cutting board.
3. Slice it into ribbons using parallel cuts across the cabbage quarter.

While cutting, be sure to keep your fingertips tucked under and pulled back slightly from the knife. That way, you’ll minimize the risk of cutting your fingers by mistake.

How to shred cabbage with a box grater

For the finest, smallest pieces of shredded cabbage, use a box grater. These fine shreds are excellent in fried rice, in a salad or stirred into colcannon.

1. Set a box grater on a large cutting board to catch the shreds.
2. Hold the flat side of a cabbage quarter against the largest holes on a box grater and slide it over the holes, applying firm and consistent pressure.
3. Repeat until all the cabbage is shredded.

When you get towards the end of the cabbage, use the palm of your hand to hold it against the box grater and grate as much as possible, protecting your fingertips.

How to shred cabbage with a mandoline​

Shredding cabbage with a mandoline results in very consistent shreds, which is great when you need evenly cooked cabbage. Dishes like smothered cabbage, cabbage casseroles and pickled red cabbage really benefit from using this technique.

1. Set up a mandoline on a large cutting board and grab the safety guide.
2. Use the safety guide to hold the cabbage quarter against the mandoline and carefully slide it over the blade.
3. Once the quarter gets too small to securely hold with the attachment, move on to the next piece.
4. Shred the remaining cabbage with a knife or use it for another purpose.

If this is the first time you’re using a mandoline, or you haven’t used one in a bit, check out these mandoline safety tips before you start shredding. Don’t have one? These are the best mandoline slicers, according to our Test Kitchen.

How to shred cabbage in a food processor​

It takes less than two minutes to shred a whole head of cabbage in a food processor, which definitely comes in handy when you need a whole lot of shredded cabbage. Think of a pan full of fried cabbage with bacon, a big bowl of coleslaw for a potluck or some golombki soup.

1. Place the shredding attachment into your food processor, making sure that the small, rounded shredding blades are facing up.
2. If needed, cut the cabbage quarters into smaller pieces so they can fit into the processor’s feeding tube.
3. Turn on the machine and use the feeder insert to gently push each wedge into the blade until all the cabbage is shredded.

For smaller food processors, you may need to empty the bowl of shredded cabbage a few times to make more room for the next batch.

How to Store Shredded Cabbage

Shredded cabbage can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. For the best results, store shredded cabbage in a resealable food storage bag, squeezing out all the air before sealing. If your shreds start to brown and smell sour or rotten, it’s time to toss.

To get the longest life from your cabbage, wait to shred it until you are ready to use it. A whole head of cabbage can last in the fridge for about two weeks.

How to Use Shredded Cabbage

There are many ways to cook cabbage or use it in creative dishes. Coleslaw recipes are one of the most common ways to use shredded cabbage, and it’s an excellent, crowd-pleasing side for a cookout. Sauteed cabbage is another easy side that pairs with everything from chicken to steak.

But cabbage doesn’t have to be relegated to side dishes (though cabbage side dishes are some of my favorites!). The veggie takes center stage in warming cabbage soup recipes and hearty dinner salads, like this Vietnamese chicken salad.

Shredded Cabbage FAQ

How much shredded cabbage does one medium head yield?

You’ll get about eight cups of shredded cabbage from one medium head. That’s a lot of cabbage!

Can you shred cabbage ahead of time?

You can shred cabbage up to three days before you plan to use it. When stored in an airtight container or in a zip-top bag with the air removed, raw cabbage will keep its color and texture well. When you’ve cooked cabbage in a recipe, the dish will last for another three days in the fridge.

Can you freeze shredded cabbage?

Cabbage can be frozen raw for about eight weeks. Spread the cabbage shreds in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and freeze. Once the cabbage is frozen, pack it into freezer bags for long-term storage. For the best results, don’t pack the freezer bags too full—crowding will cause the cabbage to become mushy.

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