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Can you substitute cabbage for lettuce taco?

Quick Answer

Yes, cabbage can be substituted for lettuce in tacos. Cabbage has a similar crunchy texture and taste that works well as a lettuce replacement. When using cabbage in place of lettuce for tacos, simply chop or shred the cabbage into small pieces before adding it to the taco fillings. Both green and red cabbage varieties work well.

Cabbage as a Lettuce Substitute in Tacos

Cabbage makes an excellent substitute for lettuce in tacos for a few key reasons:

  • Cabbage has a crisp, crunchy texture similar to lettuce leaves. This gives tacos the fresh crunch they need.
  • Cabbage has a mild flavor that pairs well with taco seasonings and ingredients like ground beef or chicken, salsa, cheese, etc.
  • Cabbage is sturdy enough to hold up to taco fillings without becoming soggy or falling apart.
  • Cabbage is typically less expensive than buying lettuce or taco salad mix.

Both green and red cabbage can be used for tacos. Green cabbage is the most common, while red cabbage adds vibrant color.

To prepare cabbage for tacos:

  1. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage head.
  2. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core/stem.
  3. Thinly slice the cabbage or use a knife or food processor to chop into small shreds.

Aim for cabbage pieces that are similar in size to shredded lettuce, around 1-2 inches long. This gives the right taco-filling to cabbage ratio in each bite.

Cabbage Tacos Nutrition

Using cabbage as a lettuce substitute adds nutrients like:

  • Vitamin C – Excellent source, aids immune function
  • Vitamin K – Essential for blood clotting
  • Folate – Important for cell growth and metabolism
  • Potassium – Needed for fluid balance and nerve transmission
  • Fiber – Promotes digestive health
  • Antioxidants – Help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage

Cabbage is very low in calories and carbs as well, making it ideal for low-carb diets. A 1/2 cup serving of shredded green cabbage contains only 9 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrate.

Potential Downsides of Cabbage vs Lettuce in Tacos

For most recipes, cabbage can directly replace lettuce in tacos with no issues. However, there are a couple of minor downsides to keep in mind:

  • Cabbage may release more water than lettuce. This can make tacos soggy if excessive moisture is not drained off.
  • Cabbage has a slightly stronger flavor compared to neutral tasting lettuce.
  • Unpleasant sulfur compounds can form in cabbage if it’s overcooked.

None of these are major problems as long as the cabbage is prepared properly. Be sure to drain excess moisture from shredded cabbage before assembling tacos. Also, lightly cook or add raw cabbage at the end to avoid overcooking.

Favorable Cabbage Tacos Reviews

Many people who have tried cabbage as a lettuce substitute in tacos report enjoying the added nutrition and crunch:

“I was surprised how perfectly cabbage worked instead of lettuce in my regular taco recipe. The crunch factor was great and my kids didn’t even notice the switch.”

“I love getting extra vitamin C and K from cabbage in my tacos. It tastes good and makes the tacos feel a bit healthier than using regular lettuce.”

“Shredded red cabbage added a fun pop of color and texture to my ground turkey tacos. I’ll definitely keep using cabbage instead of buying lettuce for tacos.”

Cabbage Lettuce Tacos Recipes

These tasty taco recipes highlight cabbage as the starring lettuce alternative:

Baja Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Baked or grilled white fish, cabbage slaw mix, avocado, and tangy sauce come together for a flavorful taco. The creamy slaw provides the crunch factor.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Red Cabbage

Succulent shrimp tacos loaded with spicy mayo, cotija cheese, red cabbage, and cilantro take these tacos up a notch.

Carne Asada Tacos with Green Cabbage

Marinated, grilled steak is an easy route to authentic carne asada tacos. Quick pickled onions and shredded green cabbage complete the fillings.

Cabbage Storage and Prep Tips for Tacos

To maximize freshness when preparing cabbage for tacos:

  • Store whole heads of cabbage in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
  • Wash outer leaves just before use and pat dry.
  • Cut or shred only as much cabbage as needed for a recipe.
  • Refrigerate prepped cabbage if not using immediately.
  • Lightly salt shredded cabbage 20 minutes before use to draw out moisture.

Proper storage keeps cabbage crisp for your next taco night. Draining excess moisture also prevents soggy tacos.

Conclusion

Cabbage is perfectly suited as a lettuce substitute for tacos. It has a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor. Cabbage also adds nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, and fiber. Both green and red cabbage pair well with typical taco ingredients. With proper prep to reduce excess moisture, cabbage can be used in place of lettuce for flavorful yet nutritious tacos. Give cabbage a try in your next tacos for added nutrition without compromising taste or texture.