It seems like the more people there are in this world, the more cabbage you’ll find on restaurant menus. It’s a ubiquitous vegetable, available at every grocery store and farmer’s market everywhere.
So, what meat goes best with cabbage? Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly suggested options.
Chicken
Chicken might come to mind when someone mentions meat with cabbage, but there are so many other proteins out there that would be better choices.
Chicken dishes are often perceived as being too plain and simple, so it’s often combined with other proteins or veggies to add flavor and interest to the dish.
Combining chicken with other ingredients will work best if the other ingredients are bolder in flavor.
For example, in a roast chicken salad, a more interesting flavor profile will be created by pairing the chicken with grapes, walnuts, and raisins, as these ingredients are all rich in flavor.
On the other hand, a simple dish like grilled chicken would be better with a milder tasting veggie like bell peppers.
Beef
Beef is often paired with vegetables that have a stronger flavor, such as carrots or broccoli. The sweetness of the carrots or the bitterness of the broccoli are married with the savory, earthy flavor of the beef, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
A good cut of beef will give you a lot of meat for the amount of cabbage eaten. You can pair it with anything you like, such as sauteed onion and mushrooms, or maybe a mustard sauce.
Poultry
Poultry is another strong protein that can stand up to the strong flavor of cabbage. You might consider pairing it with a milder tasting vegetable, such as roasted carrots, or perhaps a citrus fruit, such as oranges.
Fish
Fish is a good, healthy protein and can be paired with just about any vegetable. Tuna, salmon, or cod are good options, though they don’t taste as good as they sound.
Salmon sounds like a good idea, but cod is actually saltier than salmon. Try pairing it with a milder tasting fish like tilapia instead.
Pork
Pork loin is a lean, healthy cut of meat that works well with cabbage. You might even try pairing it with apples for a change of pace from the usual saltiness of meat and potatoes.
Roasted Pork
Pork loin is a good choice for roasting. The low fat content of pork makes it a good option for people who are watching their weight.
Summary
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten as a side dish or a main course. It is popular in many cuisines and is used as a base for soups, stews, and salads.
When pairing pork with cabbage, consider choosing the loin or rib roast cuts.
These will give you plenty of meat to go with the cabbage and will be less fatty than other pork cuts.
Remember that the milder the flavor of the cabbage the easier it will be to pair with another strong flavor protein.
Preparing and cooking your vegetables in a healthy way will ensure that you get the most nutritional benefit from them.