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10 Best Sauces for Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food.

They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, and they’re sure to please everyone at the table.

But what really makes cabbage rolls stand out is their delicious sauces!

From creamy cheese sauces to tangy tomato-based ones, there are so many options that you can choose from.

In this article, I will share 10 of the best sauces for cabbage rolls that you can make in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, I guarantee there’s a sauce here that will tantalize your taste buds!

Classic Cabbage Rolls

Why Serve A Sauce with Cabbage Rolls?

Serving a sauce with cabbage rolls is an excellent way to add flavor and moisture to the dish.

  1. Firstly, sauces can help bring out the flavors of the ingredients in the cabbage rolls. For example, a tomato-based sauce will complement the savory flavors of ground beef or pork that are often used as fillings for cabbage rolls.
  2. Secondly, sauces can also provide additional texture and complexity to a dish like cabbage rolls. A creamy sauce such as sour cream or yogurt can add richness and balance out any spiciness from seasonings like paprika or cumin.
  3. Lastly, sauces are great for adding moisture to dishes like cabbage rolls which tend to be dry when cooked in an oven or on a stovetop.

Sauces such as gravy or béchamel will keep your cabbage rolls moist while still allowing them to retain their shape and texture during cooking.

10 Best Sauces for Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a delicious and nutritious dish, but they can be easily made even better with the addition of a good sauce.

Here are ten sauces that pair perfectly with cabbage rolls, adding flavor and texture to this classic dish:

1. Tomato Sauce

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Tomato sauce is the perfect accompaniment to cabbage rolls.

The tartness of the tomato sauce will help to balance out the earthy flavor of the cabbage, and it can also add a bit of moisture and texture to your dish.

You can use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce for this dish — whatever you prefer.

If you’re using store-bought tomato sauce, look for one that has a robust flavor with plenty of herbs and spices in it.

This will help to bring out the flavors in your cabbage rolls without overpowering them.

If you’re making your own, feel free to get creative with herbs and spices so that you can customize the flavor profile as much as possible.

When serving up your cabbage rolls, spoon some tomato sauce over top before plating them on individual plates or serving them family style on a large platter.

This will give each bite an extra kick of flavor while adding some visual appeal as well!

2. Sour Cream Sauce

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This sauce adds a rich flavor and texture to the dish, providing an extra layer of deliciousness that can’t be beat.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

All you need is some sour cream, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl until they are smooth and creamy.

Then spoon the sauce over your cabbage rolls before serving.

You can also add herbs or spices if desired for added flavor.

Sour cream sauce pairs perfectly with cabbage rolls and makes them even more enjoyable!

3. Mushroom Sauce

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Mushroom sauce is a great accompaniment to cabbage rolls, as the earthy and savory flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the mild sweetness of the cabbage.

  1. To make a mushroom sauce, sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil until they are golden brown.
  2. Then add garlic, herbs such as thyme and oregano, white wine (optional), and vegetable stock.
  3. Simmer for about 10 minutes before adding cream or Greek yogurt to give it a creamy texture.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This mushroom sauce is delicious served over or alongside your cabbage rolls, adding an extra layer of flavor that will elevate your dish!

If you’re looking for something lighter, try using a combination of chicken broth and Greek yogurt instead of cream.

You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes – feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika or cumin.

Serve up this flavorful mushroom sauce with your next batch of cabbage rolls for an unforgettable meal!

4. Sweet and Sour Sauce

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Sweet and Sour Sauce is a great accompaniment to cabbage rolls, adding a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Sweet and Sour Sauce can be made from scratch with ingredients like sugar, vinegar, ketchup, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and pineapple juice or you can buy it pre-made in the condiments section of your grocery store.

When serving Sweet and Sour Sauce with cabbage rolls, try mixing it into the filling before rolling up the cabbage leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

You can also use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over top after baking or grilling the rolls.

The sweetness of the sauce pairs nicely with savory dishes like cabbage rolls while its acidity helps cut through any richness in the dish.

Plus its vibrant red hue is sure to make your meal look even more appetizing!

5. Mustard Sauce

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Mustard sauce is a great accompaniment to cabbage rolls, adding a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

The combination of the savory cabbage rolls with the mustard sauce creates an excellent balance of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more.

To make a simple mustard sauce, whisk together some prepared yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and honey in a bowl until well combined.

You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

For example, if you prefer it spicier then add more yellow mustard or if you want it sweeter then add more honey.

If you would like to mix things up even further, try adding some fresh herbs such as dill or chives for added flavor complexity.

Mustard sauce is also very versatile; not only does it go great with cabbage rolls but it can also be used as a dip for vegetables or as a topping on burgers and sandwiches.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge so you always have some on hand when needed!

6. Teriyaki Sauce

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Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese condiment made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), sake (rice wine), sugar, and sometimes ginger.

It’s used as both a marinade for meats and vegetables before cooking, or as a glaze after cooking.

The combination of the ingredients creates an umami-rich flavor that pairs well with cabbage rolls.

Teriyaki sauce can be found in most grocery stores in the Asian food section.

7. Coconut Curry Sauce

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Coconut Curry Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce made from coconut milk, curry powder, and other spices.

It’s often used as a condiment for dishes like cabbage rolls or spring rolls.

The combination of the sweet coconut milk with the spicy curry powder creates an incredibly delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.

Coconut Curry Sauce can be made in minutes using ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Simply combine coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.

Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and then serve warm over your favorite dish!

8. Hoisin Sauce

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Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet-savory condiment that originated in China.

It’s made with fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, and various spices like star anise and cinnamon.

The result is a dark brown sauce that has a salty-sweet flavor with hints of smokiness from the chilies.

Hoisin sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables before grilling or roasting them; it can also be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.

When served with cabbage rolls, hoisin adds an extra layer of sweetness to the dish while still allowing the flavors of the cabbage to shine through.

9. Red Wine Sauce

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Red Wine Sauce is a classic French sauce made with red wine, butter, shallots, and beef or chicken stock.

It’s typically served with dishes such as steak, pork chops, and cabbage rolls.

The sauce has a rich flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat or vegetables it’s served with.

  1. To make Red Wine Sauce, start by sautéing shallots in butter until they are softened and lightly browned.
  2. Then add red wine to deglaze the pan and reduce it down until it thickens slightly.
  3. Finally add beef or chicken stock to thin out the sauce before seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve over your favorite dish for an added layer of flavor!

10. White Wine Sauce

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White Wine Sauce is a classic French sauce made from white wine, butter, and flour.

It’s often used to accompany fish or poultry dishes, but it can also be served with vegetables such as cabbage rolls.

  1. To make the sauce, you start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Once melted, add some flour and stir until combined.
  3. Then slowly pour in white wine while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

You can then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving alongside your cabbage rolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cabbage rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with many different sauces.

From classic tomato sauce to more inventive curry and hoisin sauces, there are many flavor combinations to explore.

The best sauces for cabbage rolls are tomato sauce, sour cream sauce, mushroom sauce, sweet and sour sauce, mustard sauce, teriyaki sauce, curry sauce, hoisin sauce, red wine sauce, and white wine sauce.

Each of these sauces adds a unique flavor to the dish, and can be adjusted to your individual tastes.

So, the next time you’re making cabbage rolls, don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different sauces to take your dish to the next level.

Sauces

10 Best Sauces for Cabbage Rolls

As someone who loves to cook, I'm always looking for creative ways to dress up my dishes. In this article, I'm sharing my top 10 sauces to use when making cabbage rolls. I'll provide a brief overview of each one, as well as how to use them properly and how to combine them for maximum flavor. Whether you're looking for a classic combination or something a bit more adventurous, these sauces will make your cabbage rolls extra special.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dipping Sauce, Sauce
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Tomato Sauce
  • Sour Cream Sauce
  • Mushroom Sauce
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • Mustard Sauce
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Coconut Curry Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
  • Red Wine Sauce
  • White Wine Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
jenny happy muncher
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.