How To Shred Cabbage in a Food Processor

Shredded cabbage complements many different types of recipes. It’s delicious to use in culinary creations such as coleslaw, sauerkraut, soup, salad, tacos and stir fry. And it’s a key ingredient in more ambitious creations, like homemade kimchi. Whatever recipe you decide to explore, a food processor can take the guesswork out of prepping cabbage. Read on to discover how to shred cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor, along with other helpful tips and flavorful recipes.

Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to a plate of food Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to a plate of food

How to shred cabbage: recipe & tips

If you’re looking to streamline your cabbage-based recipe preparation, shredding cabbage in a food processor is a key step. Food processors typically come with an attachment known as a shredder or slicer disc that rests on top of the bowl. When you funnel cabbage through the food processor’s feed tube it moves through the shredder disc, creating a consistent size for your shredded cabbage.

Yields

To determine the serving size, first consider if you will be making a raw or cooked cabbage recipe. Shredded raw cabbage will yield approximately double the serving size of cooked cabbage. For instance, 1 pound of raw cabbage will produce 8 to 10 servings, whereas 1 pound of cooked cabbage will yield around 4 servings.

Ingredients

There are different cabbage varieties available to choose from in your culinary endeavors. The main types are green, red, napa, savoy, bok choy, and even brussels sprouts are considered cabbage. Choose your cabbage type based on the cuisine you’ll be making. Keep your cabbage refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. Cold ingredients shred better.

Prep time

Allow for approximately three minutes.

Total time

Your cabbage should be shredded in five minutes.

Rainbow spring rolls with shredded cabbage and peanut dipping sauce Rainbow spring rolls with shredded cabbage and peanut dipping sauce

Step 1: Prepare food processor

Attach the slicer/shredder disc to the top of the drive adaptor of your KitchenAid® food processor and lock it into place along with the lid. To shred cabbage, make sure the shredding side of the disc is facing up.

Step 2: Prepare cabbage

Wash the cabbage and pat dry. Cut the cabbage in half and then cut the core out of both halves in a triangle shape and discard. Minimize prep time by slicing the cabbage small enough to fit into your food processor feed tube.

Step 3: Shred cabbage

Set the food processor to your desired speed and insert your cabbage into the feed tube. If your food processor includes a food pusher, use it to guide the cabbage toward the disc.

Step 4: Use or store shredded cabbage

Within minutes you have freshly shredded cabbage to enjoy in your favorite recipes. Refrigerate your cabbage if you’ll be preparing your meal at a later time.

Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to other shredded vegetables Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to other shredded vegetables

Shop KitchenAid® food processors for shredding cabbage

KitchenAid brand offers a variety of easy-to-assemble food processors that can help streamline your food prep routine. Consider the KitchenAid® 13 Cup Food Processor with a 3-in-1 feed tube that reduces mealtime prep even more by effortlessly processing larger pieces of food. Explore all KitchenAid® food processors to take everyday meals to the next level.

13-Cup KitchenAid® Food Processor with Dicing Kit 13-Cup KitchenAid® Food Processor with Dicing Kit

Which food processor blade or disc is best to shred cabbage?

To shred cabbage, you’ll want to use a shredding disc. It’s a standard accessory for most food processors and can be reversible like the ones that come with select KitchenAid® food processors, or a single-function blade. Make sure the shredding side is facing up when using this blade. Foods shred best when they’re cold. Learn more about food processor blades.

Can I shred cabbage with a blender?

Blenders and food processors do share some functions, but shredding is not one of them. A blender will mince or grind cabbage into small, inconsistent size pieces. Use your blender for food you can drink, drizzle, or dip. Find out more about the difference between a food processor and blender

On the other hand, a KitchenAid® stand mixer with a fresh prep slicer/shredder attachment can shred cabbage. For culinary inspiration, use your stand mixer to try delicious meals like cabbage and jicama slaw and soba noodle bowl. You can also shred cabbage manually with a box grater, a mandolin or a knife. 

How should I prep cabbage before shredding in my food processor?

For best results, store your cabbage in the refrigerator before you use it. Shredding cabbage cold will keep the texture firm and create a more consistent shred. When you’re ready to shred your cabbage, wash and pat it dry. Wet or damp cabbage leaves may not shred properly.

Modern kitchen counter with a bowl of shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, garlic cloves, meatballs and a plate of bread with a creamy spread Modern kitchen counter with a bowl of shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, garlic cloves, meatballs and a plate of bread with a creamy spread

How long does shredded cabbage last?

While a food processor makes it easy to use fresh shredded cabbage in your recipes, you can store it in a refrigerator for about 3 days. Preserve it in a tightly sealed plastic bag or airtight container and put it in the crisper drawer. If the leaves are soft and discolored, it may be spoiled. Cabbage can be stored in your freezer for up to a year by blanching it first. 

How can I use shredded cabbage in recipes?

There are a variety of ways to use shredded cabbage to delight the palate and expand mealtime options.Try recipes such as delicious fish tacos with watermelon slaw, savory coleslaw with grilling cheese, refreshing chopped Chinese chicken salad and tasty shredded chicken with honey dijon slaw.

Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to other shredded vegetables Shredded purple cabbage in a KitchenAid® food processor on a kitchen counter next to other shredded vegetables

Shop for KitchenAid®food processors and choppers

Food processors offer precision and consistency when shredding cabbage. They’re useful for far more than basic food prep and are the perfect tool to help you discover new flavors and textures. If you’re ready to expand your culinary expression, KitchenAid brand has a variety of sizes and features to choose from. Explore the range of capabilities in KitchenAid® food processors to make everyday meals extraordinary. 

Learn more about food processors with KitchenAid brand