Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) is a delicious and easy way to add a flavorful, comforting side to your meal. This dish is vibrant with warm spices and creamy coconut, making it truly irresistible. It cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, giving you tender cabbage with just the right bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Pair it with my Sweet & Spicy Sausage Ricotta Honey Pizza for a full flavor experience.
Why You'll Love Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
Enjoy Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style), an easy, quick, and aromatic side dish perfect for weeknight dinners and flavorful meals.
- Fast and easy—ready in under 40 minutes.
- Authentic Sri Lankan flavors with aromatic spices and creamy coconut.
- Perfectly tender cabbage with a slight crunch for texture.
- Great as a side dish or light main, budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
Cabbage: Use green cabbage for authentic texture and flavor; savoy cabbage can be a milder alternative.Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess; light coconut milk can be used but will reduce richness.
- Cabbage: Use green cabbage for authentic texture and flavor; savoy cabbage can be a milder alternative.
- Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess; light coconut milk can be used but will reduce richness.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sauté the spices and aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to pop, add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until onion is translucent.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add spices and cabbage: Stir in turmeric, curry powder, and black pepper. Add chopped cabbage and sliced green chilies if using. Mix well to coat the cabbage with the spices.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add liquids and pressure cook: Pour in the coconut milk and water or broth, add salt, and stir. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
- Slice the cabbage evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier dish.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving to brighten flavors.
Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
Enjoy Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style), an easy, quick, and aromatic side dish perfect for weeknight dinners and flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for richness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 green chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (Sri Lankan style if available)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh lime wedges
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
How to Make Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style)
- Sauté the spices and aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to pop, add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Add spices and cabbage: Stir in turmeric, curry powder, and black pepper. Add chopped cabbage and sliced green chilies if using. Mix well to coat the cabbage with the spices.
- Add liquids and pressure cook: Pour in the coconut milk and water or broth, add salt, and stir. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 5 minutes.
- Release pressure and finish: When cooking is complete, use quick release for the pressure. Open the lid carefully, stir the cabbage, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish FAQs
Yes! This dish holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
You can use full-fat plain yogurt or cashew cream, but these will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing to maintain coconut milk consistency.
Overcooking or using too much liquid can cause sogginess. Use the recommended cooking time and liquid amounts for the best texture.
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Before You Go
If you try this Instant Pot Cabbage With Coconut & Spices (Sri Lankan Style) – Easy & Flavorful Side Dish, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.