Cabbage Boil Recipe @bigpapahannahh
Cabbage Boil Recipe @bigpapahannahh is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by By Nay A on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 2 hrs 13 min | Total: 3 hrs 13 min
Cost: $16.32 total, $4.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 head Green Cabbage (cut into quarters and deep slits like a blooming onion)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into small pieces; 2 tbsp for cabbage, 2 tbsp for sauté)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Asian Seasoning Blend (e.g., Chinese five‑spice or a pre‑made Asian spice mix)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (for cabbage seasoning blend)
- 0.25 teaspoon Brown Sugar (adds a subtle balance to the spice blend)
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced for sauté)
- 0.25 onion Yellow Onion (quartered and diced for sauté)
- 0.25 potato White Potato (quartered and diced for sauté)
- 3 pieces Cooked Shrimp (pre‑cooked, just reheated)
- 1 cup Kibsa Sausage (cut into bite‑size pieces; can use any smoked sausage)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Trim the stem end and remove a few outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters, then make deep slits from the outer edge toward the core, similar to a blooming onion, and scoop out the tough core.
Time: PT10M
Make the Seasoning Butter
In a mixing bowl combine 2 Tbsp softened butter with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Asian seasoning blend, Old Bay, chili powder, lemon pepper, dried parsley, and brown sugar. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Season and Wrap the Cabbage
Rub the seasoning butter all over each cabbage quarter, making sure to get it into the slits. Place each piece on a sheet of aluminum foil, fold the foil over and seal tightly (use two overlapping pieces per quarter).
Time: PT5M
Bake the Cabbage
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the foil‑wrapped cabbage quarters on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours, until the leaves are very tender.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 350°F
Sauté the Filling Ingredients
While the cabbage bakes, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and diced potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the potato is just tender, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Add Sausage and Shrimp
Stir in the diced kibsa sausage and the pre‑cooked shrimp. Cook for another 3‑4 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through and the sausage is lightly browned.
Time: PT4M
Final Seasoning of Filling
Sprinkle a teaspoon of the same seasoning blend used for the cabbage over the sautéed mixture and stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Assemble and Serve
Remove the cabbage from the oven and carefully open the foil (steam will be hot). Fill the hollow center of each cabbage quarter with the sautéed filling. If desired, brush any remaining seasoning butter on the outer leaves.
Time: PT5M
Enjoy
Plate the stuffed cabbage quarters and enjoy as a hearty main dish.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains shellfish, Gluten‑Free (if seasonings are gluten‑free)
Allergens: Dairy, Shellfish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Savoy cabbage
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (½ tsp)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely grated fresh onion (½ tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Asian Seasoning Blend: Soy sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Old Bay Seasoning: Cajun seasoning
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika + cayenne mix
- Instead of Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Lemon zest + cracked black pepper
- Instead of Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey (a pinch)
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion
- Instead of White Potato: Sweet potato
- Instead of Cooked Shrimp: Cooked chicken bite
- Instead of Kibsa Sausage: Andouille sausage, Chorizo
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Aluminum Foil
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Skillet
- Pastry Brush or Spoon
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cutting deep slits in the cabbage so seasoning penetrates.
- Sealing the foil tightly to trap steam during the 2‑hour bake.
- Not overcooking the pre‑cooked shrimp in the sauté pan.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra caramelization, brush a thin layer of melted butter on the outer cabbage leaves before sealing.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the seasoning butter for a subtle tang.
- Use a mix of sweet and hot paprika for depth of flavor.
Troubleshooting
Cabbage is still tough after 2 hours.
Check that the foil was sealed tightly; add another 15‑20 minutes of baking, or increase oven temperature to 375°F.
Filling is watery.
Pat the sautéed vegetables dry before stuffing, or cook a minute longer to evaporate excess moisture.
Shrimp become rubbery.
Add the shrimp at the very end of the sauté step and heat only until just warmed through.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cabbage quarters can be frozen wrapped in foil for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season and wrap the cabbage a day ahead; keep refrigerated and bake when ready.
- Prepare the sauté filling up to step 6, cool, and store in the fridge; reheat quickly before stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Cabbage Boil in American social media food trends?
The Cabbage Boil became a viral sensation after a creator named Ba H (Big Papa Hannah) posted the original version in late 2024. It spread across TikTok and YouTube as a simple, crowd‑pleasing dish that showcases how a humble cabbage can be transformed with bold seasoning and a foil‑baking technique.
What are the traditional regional variations of Cabbage Boil in the United States?
While the viral version uses a spice blend with Old Bay and Asian seasoning, Southern cooks often add smoked sausage and hot sauce, whereas Mid‑Atlantic versions may incorporate apple cider and mustard. Each region adapts the seasoning to local flavor preferences.
How is Cabbage Boil traditionally served in American gatherings?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, either as a main dish or as a hearty side at pot‑lucks, barbecues, and family dinners. The cabbage quarters are presented on a platter with the savory filling visible in the core.
What occasions or celebrations is Cabbage Boil associated with in American cuisine?
Because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead, the Cabbage Boil is popular for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and casual holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers or New Year’s Eve snacks.
What makes Cabbage Boil special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
The dish combines the comfort of slow‑baked cabbage with a bold, multi‑layered spice blend and a rich butter‑based filling, creating a contrast of tender greens and savory meat‑and‑shrimp stuffing that isn’t found in traditional casseroles.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cabbage Boil versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are green cabbage, butter, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Old Bay, Asian seasoning, chili powder, lemon pepper, parsley, and brown sugar. Substitutes include Savoy cabbage for the green cabbage, any smoked sausage for kibsa, and fresh garlic or lemon zest in place of powders.
What other American dishes pair well with Cabbage Boil?
Cabbage Boil pairs nicely with creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the rich, buttery flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cabbage Boil at home?
Common errors include not cutting deep enough slits for seasoning, sealing the foil loosely which lets steam escape, and overcooking the pre‑cooked shrimp. Follow the critical steps to ensure tenderness and flavor.
Why does this Cabbage Boil recipe use foil‑wrapping instead of a covered casserole dish?
Foil creates an airtight steam pocket around each cabbage quarter, allowing the leaves to become ultra‑tender while concentrating the spice flavors. A covered dish would not give the same individual steam environment and could result in soggy outer leaves.
Can I make Cabbage Boil ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Season and wrap the cabbage a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
What does the YouTube channel By Nay A specialize in?
The YouTube channel By Nay A focuses on recreating viral food trends, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend casual home cooking with clear, detailed explanations of techniques and ingredient choices.
How does the YouTube channel By Nay A's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
By Nay A emphasizes quick, ingredient‑light adaptations of trending dishes, often highlighting shortcuts like foil‑baking and minimal measuring, whereas many other channels stick to classic, measured recipes or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
