Cabbage has long been one of the most affordable and versatile vegetables, yet it often gets overshadowed by meats or more “glamorous” ingredients. But once you try these golden, crispy cabbage fritters, you might just agree with the saying: “Cabbage is tastier than meat!”
These fritters are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. To make things even better, they’re paired with a refreshing yogurt-dill cucumber sauce that balances the richness of the fritters beautifully.
Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a light vegetarian main course, they’re guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
500 g cabbage, shredded (about half a medium head)
2 onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large eggs
4 tbsp (60 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (8 g) salt
1 tsp (4 g) ground red pepper (paprika or chili, depending on your spice preference)
1 tsp (4 g) black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the yogurt-dill sauce:
3 tbsp (75 g) plain yogurt
2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
1 small cucumber, grated
Red pepper powder, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables
Shred the cabbage finely, either with a knife or a mandoline slicer. Chop the onions into small, even pieces, and mince the garlic.
Pro tip: If your cabbage is slightly tough, sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then squeeze out any excess liquid before mixing. This prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
2. Make the fritter batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped onions, minced garlic, eggs, flour, salt, ground red pepper, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and form a cohesive batter.
The mixture should be moist but not watery. If it feels too loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help bind it.
3. Fry the fritters
Heat about 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Take a spoonful of the cabbage mixture, place it in the hot oil, and gently flatten it into a small pancake shape with the back of your spoon.
Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until the fritters are golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
4. Make the yogurt-dill sauce
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped dill, grated cucumber, and a pinch of red pepper powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
This sauce should be cool, tangy, and slightly spicy — the perfect contrast to the warm, crispy fritters.
5. Serve and enjoy
Serve the cabbage fritters hot, with a generous dollop of yogurt-dill sauce on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika for a restaurant-style finish.
Serving Ideas
As an appetizer: Serve smaller fritters with toothpicks and a bowl of sauce for dipping. They make a crowd-pleasing party snack.
For a light lunch: Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or even stuffed into pita bread for a veggie wrap.
With rice or grains: Serve alongside steamed rice, bulgur, or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal.
As a burger alternative: Shape the fritters into larger patties and serve them in a bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and extra yogurt sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the fritters in batches so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Control the oil temperature – Medium heat is best; too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks, too low and they’ll soak up oil.
Make ahead option – You can prepare the cabbage mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Healthier option – Bake instead of frying! Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F), line a tray with parchment, brush fritters with a little oil, and bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations
Cheesy Cabbage Fritters: Add ½ cup grated mozzarella, cheddar, or feta to the batter for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Mix in chili flakes or finely chopped green chili for heat lovers.
Herbed Fritters: Add fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives for more freshness.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with 3 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsp water, and use a plant-based yogurt for the sauce.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx. 2–3 fritters + sauce)
Calories: ~180 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
These fritters are high in fiber thanks to the cabbage and provide a good dose of vitamins C and K. Pairing them with protein-rich yogurt makes this meal both balanced and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Who would have thought that humble cabbage could rival meat in flavor and satisfaction? These crispy cabbage fritters prove that simple, everyday ingredients can be transformed into something irresistible.
They’re budget-friendly, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish — no matter how you enjoy them, one thing’s for sure: once you try them, you’ll never look at cabbage the same way again!