How many calories does grilled cabbage have? An in-depth nutrition diet guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A cup of raw shredded cabbage contains only about 22-25 calories, but when it's grilled, the calorie count can increase depending on the added ingredients. This article answers the question of how many calories does grilled cabbage have? and explains the nutritional factors at play.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for grilled cabbage varies based on added fats and ingredients, ranging from approximately 80 to over 100 calories per serving with butter or oil. Plain grilled cabbage remains low in calories but packs nutrients like vitamins C and K, and fiber.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count of grilled cabbage depends on the fats and other ingredients added, not the cabbage itself.
Low-Calorie Base: Raw cabbage is very low in calories, with about 22-25 per cup, making it a great base for low-calorie meals.
Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, regardless of how it's cooked.
Healthy Additions: For lower-calorie grilled cabbage, use a small amount of olive oil instead of butter, and rely on herbs and spices for flavor.
Supports Weight Management: Its high fiber and water content help you feel full, making it an excellent vegetable for weight control.
Promotes Digestion: The fiber in cabbage is beneficial for gut health and supports a healthy digestive system.
Reduces Inflammation: The antioxidants in cabbage help combat chronic inflammation, a factor in many diseases.

The Calorie Equation: It's All About the Add-ons

Raw cabbage is an incredibly low-calorie vegetable, containing only about 22-25 calories per cup when shredded. The primary reason the caloric density of grilled cabbage can increase is due to the addition of fats and other high-calorie ingredients during the cooking process. Cabbage itself is a healthy, low-calorie base, but most grilled cabbage recipes incorporate butter, oil, or sauces to enhance flavor and promote charring.

For example, a recipe using butter and seasonings might lead to a dish with nearly 100 calories per serving, while a simpler approach with just olive oil could result in around 86 calories per serving. Other ingredients, like bacon, cheese, or sugary glazes, can further increase the calorie count significantly. Therefore, to understand how many calories your grilled cabbage has, you must account for the full recipe, not just the vegetable itself.

How Ingredients Affect Your Grilled Cabbage Calories

Butter and Bacon: Many popular recipes, such as those found on Allrecipes or Co-opportunity Market, suggest grilling cabbage with a generous amount of butter and, in some cases, wrapping it in bacon. These additions dramatically increase the fat and calorie content. For instance, a Co-opportunity Market recipe cites 98 calories per serving, incorporating butter and other toppings.
Oils: Using olive oil instead of butter is a healthier option, but the quantity still matters. A recipe from Eat the Gains, which uses olive oil, provides around 86 calories per serving. While healthier, excessive oil will still add calories.
Sauces and Glazes: Toppings like spicy Thai dressing or sugary glazes also contribute to the final calorie count. A Serious Eats recipe for grilled cabbage with a Thai dressing shows 127 calories per serving.

A Nutrient Powerhouse Beyond the Calorie Count

Regardless of the calorie count, grilled cabbage offers a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Here are some of the key nutritional benefits:

Rich in Vitamins C and K: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. It is also packed with vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
High in Fiber: Cabbage contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements, while soluble fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy digestive system.
Packed with Antioxidants: Beyond vitamin C, cabbage contains antioxidants like polyphenols and anthocyanins (in red cabbage) that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Weight Management: Given its high water and fiber content, cabbage is very filling for a small number of calories, making it a valuable tool for weight control.
Promotes Heart Health: Studies suggest that consuming foods rich in anthocyanins, which give red cabbage its color, can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Comparing Cabbage Preparations

To put the calorie question in perspective, let's compare the nutritional profiles of different cabbage preparations. This table highlights how preparation methods influence the final dish.


Preparation Method	Calories (approx. per cup)	Key Calorie Sources	Fiber Content	Antioxidant Retention
Raw Shredded	22-25	Minimal (naturally occurring)	High (uncooked)	High (maximum retention)
Grilled Steaks (light oil)	80-90	Added olive oil or cooking spray	High	Some loss, but still substantial
Grilled with Butter	95-110	Added butter and seasonings	High	Some loss, but still substantial
Roasted Wedges (oil)	88	Added olive oil	High	Some loss, but still substantial
Sautéed (butter)	Varies widely	Added butter or oil	Moderate	Significant loss with prolonged cooking

Healthy Grilled Cabbage Recipes to Control Calories

Controlling the calorie count of your grilled cabbage is straightforward if you focus on your ingredients. Opting for low-calorie seasonings and minimal fats is key. Here are some simple, healthy grilled cabbage recipe variations:

Garlic and Herb Cabbage Steaks: Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds. Brush lightly with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with a salt-free all-purpose seasoning blend, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Grill for 5-8 minutes per side until charred and tender. This minimizes added fat while maximizing flavor.
Spicy Lemon Cabbage Wedges: Instead of butter, use a mixture of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cut the cabbage into wedges, leaving the core intact to hold them together. Place them in a foil packet and grill until tender. The lemon adds a bright flavor without extra calories.
Balsamic-Glazed Cabbage: Grill your cabbage steaks with just a light coat of olive oil. After grilling, drizzle with a reduced balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of parmesan cheese for a flavorful, low-calorie finish.
Smoky Flavor with Less Fat: For a smoky flavor without extra fat, try using a grill pan or a baking sheet in the oven with a spritz of cooking spray. Cook the cabbage until it chars, then add a light dressing or vinaigrette after cooking, rather than before.

Conclusion: Enjoying Grilled Cabbage Mindfully

So, how many calories does grilled cabbage have? The final count is a function of your recipe. Cabbage itself is a low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-dense food that supports many aspects of your health, from digestion to heart health. The key to keeping it healthy lies in the fat and toppings you add. By being mindful of ingredients, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful grilled cabbage that remains a fantastic part of a balanced and calorie-conscious diet. Simple substitutions, like using a minimal amount of olive oil instead of butter, or relying on herbs and spices for seasoning, allow you to enjoy all the health benefits without excess calories. Whether you're managing weight or simply eating well, grilled cabbage is a versatile and satisfying vegetable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain grilled cabbage, with no added oil or butter, is extremely low in calories, similar to its raw state. A single cup would contain around 22-25 calories.

Adding a tablespoon of butter or oil can add over 100 calories to a serving of grilled cabbage. For example, some recipes with added butter and seasonings can push a serving to almost 100 calories.

Yes, grilled cabbage can be a healthy food for weight loss, as long as you're mindful of the added fats. Its high fiber and water content provide satiety, making it a filling and nutritious option for fewer calories.

While some cooking methods can lead to a slight loss of nutrients, grilling does not destroy all of them. Cabbage retains a significant portion of its vitamins and fiber when grilled, especially if not overcooked.

Grilled cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. It also contains valuable antioxidants and minerals like manganese and potassium.

For lower-calorie grilling, you can use a small amount of olive oil, a cooking spray, or flavor with herbs, spices, and lemon juice. These alternatives reduce fat intake while maintaining a great taste.

Yes, while cabbage itself is not a high-protein food, it can be paired with high-protein items like lean meats, fish, or tofu to create a balanced meal. It provides essential nutrients and fiber while keeping calories in check.