Why You Should Add A Packet Of This Seasoning To Sauteed Cabbage

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Cabbage is an incredibly versatile vegetable, tasty in everything from sweet and sour soup to casseroles. It even shines with a simple saute – the rigid leaves soften and caramelize, ready to sop up whatever aromatics you add. Possible seasoning options run a wide range; a great starting place is a trusty packet of lemon pepper.

The spice blend hits several major flavor points, all in one go. You're getting the classic one-two combo of salt and pepper, along with the tangy brightness of citrus. Most brands include a savory sprinkle of onion and garlic flavors in the mix, rounded out with a dash of sugar — exactly what you need to up cabbage caramelization. For a store-bought spice, that's a remarkably well-rounded seasoning blend, perfect for transforming the cruciferous vegetable.

Not to mention, mixing together lemon pepper and cabbage is a breeze. Simply chop up the vegetable, lightly salt it, and throw it in a hot, oiled pan. Saute it until soft, sprinkling on the lemon pepper toward the cooking's conclusion. Only a few minutes and an emptied spice packet later, and you'll get a flavorful side that pairs with any number of mains, from alfredo pasta to barbecue.

When you're searing up shredded cabbage leaves, there are many ways to flavor the vegetable. So once you've tried a dusting of lemon pepper, experiment with other easy seasonings, too. Start with dried seasonings and go for a classic German flair; throw in some caraway seeds, for example. Nutty and complex, just a teaspoon of this spice — alongside salt and pepper — makes an aromatic side dish, perfect alongside bratwurst or knockwurst sausage.

Want to turn up the boldness meter? Make a spicy Cajun rendition. Like with lemon pepper, you can grab a pre-packaged Hot Cajun Seasoning, or use your spice pantry to make your own; just don't forget the smoked paprika and hot cayenne. Such a flavorful vegetable side will go perfectly alongside a Cajun blackened catfish or dirty rice.

In addition to shelf-stable spices, don't overlook using a pre-bottled condiment, too. In terms of flavor-per-spoon, you can't top a chili crisp or chili crunch. In addition to the heat, you'll get aromatic oils that seep into the cabbage, making for savory-smokey bites once cooked. Easy to prepare yet hugely flavorful, this dish fabulously rounds out a Chinese-inspired meal, whether you're making a Hunan-style beef stir-fry or a batch of fried rice.