Beer Can Cabbage Recipes

BEER-CAN CABBAGE

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Cut a 3x3" square around core of cabbage at the base. Carefully remove core with knife. Using knife and a spoon, create a 3"-deep cavity in cabbage, big enough to hold beer can. Discard core; reserve leftover cabbage from hollowing out cavity for another use. Using a brush, coat cabbage with oil, then season with salt and pepper.
• Pour out (or drink) half of the beer. Place beer can in cavity of cabbage so cabbage sits upright. Transfer to grill. Using brush, generously coat cabbage with 3 Tbsp. barbecue sauce. Cover grill and cook cabbage, brushing with remaining sauce every 15 minutes, until outer leaves are crispy and dark brown and cabbage is cooked through and tender when pierced with a paring knife, 45-50 minutes total.
• Remove cabbage from grill and discard can. Let cool slightly. Cut grilled cabbage in half lengthwise, then slice each half crosswise into 3/4" strips. Toss in a medium bowl with remaining 1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce (you should have about 6 cups barbecued cabbage). Serve as a side, or make Beer-Can Cabbage Sandwiches.
• Do Ahead
• Barbecued cabbage can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Reheat gently in a covered pot on stovetop or in microwave.

BARBEQUED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat.
• Evenly divide the cabbage among 4 squares of aluminum foil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over each pile of cabbage, and place a tablespoon of butter on top. Season with pepper to taste, and fold the sides of the foil over the cabbage, sealing to form a packet.
• Place packets onto preheated grill, and cook until the cabbage is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

BEER BRAISED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in beer, mustard, and thyme. Lower heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add cabbage and vinegar. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is wilted and tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

BEER-CAN CABBAGE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Cut a 3x3" square around core of cabbage at the base. Carefully remove core with knife. Using knife and a spoon, create a 3"-deep cavity in cabbage, big enough to hold a beer can. Discard core but reserve leftover cabbage from hollowing out cavity. Using a brush, coat cabbage with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
• Pour out (or drink) half of the beer. Place beer can in cavity of cabbage so cabbage sits upright. Transfer to grill. Using brush, generously coat cabbage with 3 Tbsp. barbecue sauce. Cover grill and cook cabbage, brushing with sauce every 15 minutes, until outer leaves are crispy and dark brown and cabbage is cooked through and tender when pierced with a paring knife, 45-50 minutes total. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, grill white onion rings until charred.
• Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl. Thinly slice reserved cabbage. Add to bowl with dressing along with carrot and red onion; toss to combine.
• Remove cabbage from grill and discard can. Let cool slightly. Cut grilled cabbage in half lengthwise, then slice each half crosswise into 3/4" strips. Coarsely chop white onion rings and toss with cabbage in a medium bowl with remaining 1 1/4 cups barbecue sauce (you should have about 6 cups barbecued cabbage).
• Halve rolls and grill until toasted, about 30 seconds. Arrange 1 cup barbecued cabbage on each bottom bun. Top each with 2 slices cheese, 1/4 cup cabbage slaw, and pickled jalapeños, if using. Top with top buns.
• Do Ahead
• Barbecued cabbage and coleslaw can be made 3 days ahead; cover separately and chill. Reheat gently in a covered pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.

CABBAGE AND SAUSAGES BRAISED IN BEER

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sausages and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
• Add the beer and mustard and simmer until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
• Add the cabbage, stir to combine, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir again and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still green.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.