Quick Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe

Have you ever wondered about the tangy, crunchy goodness of sauerkraut? This humble fermented cabbage dish has gained popularity for its remarkable health benefits, particularly for supporting gut health. Making sauerkraut at home is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy a probiotic-rich treat that supports digestive health and overall well-being.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a quick and easy sauerkraut recipe you can make at home, as well as the health benefits of adding this fermented food to your diet. 

Let’s get started and explore how easy it is to create your jar of sauerkraut!

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish, but what makes it so special is the process of lactic acid fermentation. During this process, beneficial bacteria transform the cabbage, creating a tangy, sour flavor while preserving its nutrients. Sauerkraut is a fantastic source of probiotics — the beneficial bacteria that support gut health — as well as vitamins like C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.

The history of sauerkraut dates back over 2,000 years to China, where it was used to preserve cabbage during the winter months. While it’s now a staple in German cuisine, the process spread across many cultures, solidifying its place as a healthy and delicious dish enjoyed worldwide.

Watch this video to find out why fermented foods should be a part of your diet—no more wrong misconceptions!

Ingredients you’ll need for homemade sauerkraut

Before diving into the preparation, gather these essential ingredients:

• Cabbage: You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or even Napa cabbage for a unique twist. Choose fresh, firm cabbage for the best results.

• Sea Salt: Opt for non-iodized salt like sea salt or kosher salt. Salt helps draw out the cabbage’s moisture and kickstarts the fermentation process.

• Optional Add-ins: Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as caraway seeds, garlic, juniper berries, or peppercorns.

You don’t need fancy equipment — just a clean jar, a weight, and a little patience to let the fermentation do its magic.

Step-by-step instructions to make sauerkraut

Making sauerkraut at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the cabbage

Begin by removing any damaged outer leaves and thoroughly rinsing the cabbage. After that, cut the cabbage into halves, remove the core, and shred it into thin strips. The finer the shred, the better the fermentation process.

2. Add salt

Sprinkle sea salt onto the shredded cabbage, using about 2-3% of the cabbage's weight in salt. For example, for 1 pound (450 grams) of cabbage, use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of salt. Toss the cabbage and salt together and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will help release the cabbage’s moisture, which is essential for creating the brine.

3. Massage the cabbage

Next, get your hands in there! Massage the cabbage vigorously for several minutes. This helps break down the cabbage’s cell walls, releasing more juice that will create the brine needed for fermentation.

4. Pack the jar

Take handfuls of the cabbage and tightly pack it into a clean mason jar or fermentation crock. Ensure that the cabbage is completely submerged in its own juices. If necessary, use a clean weight or a smaller jar to weigh it down and keep it submerged.

5. Ferment

Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cloth to allow airflow and leave it at room temperature (ideally 65-75°F / 18-24°C) for 3-4 weeks. Check the sauerkraut every few days and taste it to see how it’s progressing. The longer it ferments, the more sour it will become.

With the fermenting process underway, you can start to monitor how your sauerkraut develops. 

Also read: How to Make Flavored Sauerkraut - Different Recipes and Flavors

Now, let’s understand how and when to know your sauerkraut is ready.

How to know when your sauerkraut is ready

After a week of fermenting, begin tasting your sauerkraut. It will gradually become tangier as it ferments. By the end of 3-4 weeks, you’ll notice a shift in the cabbage’s texture: it will be translucent and soft, yet still maintain a satisfying crunch.

Key Signs to Look For:

• Taste: The sauerkraut should have a distinct tangy flavor.

• Texture: The cabbage should be tender yet crisp.

• Aroma: It will have a sour, fermented smell, which is completely normal.

After your sauerkraut has reached the perfect level of tang and crunch, it’s time to think about storage to keep it fresh.

Storing your homemade sauerkraut

Proper storage is key to preserving your homemade sauerkraut and slowing down the fermentation process:

• Refrigeration: After fermentation, transfer the sauerkraut to a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the flavor and texture for months.

• Brine: Ensure the sauerkraut remains submerged in the brine. If needed, top it up with a 2% saltwater solution.

To keep your sauerkraut at its best, always ensure the cabbage is fully submerged under the brine. This prevents air exposure, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria or mold. A clean, airtight container is essential to keep your sauerkraut fresh and free from contaminants. 

By storing your sauerkraut properly, you can enjoy it for weeks or even months. The colder temperature of the refrigerator will slow down the fermentation, allowing you to enjoy the same crisp and tangy flavors over time.

Also check out our blog on “Can You Freeze Sauerkraut: Tips for Preserving its Taste and Benefits”. This guide offers helpful tips for freezing sauerkraut while maintaining its flavor and probiotics.

Now, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate this tangy, gut-friendly food into your meals!

Ways to enjoy your homemade sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is more than just a side dish — it’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance many meals. 

Here are some creative ways to enjoy your homemade sauerkraut:

• On sandwiches or burgers: Add a crunchy layer of sauerkraut to your favourite sandwiches or burgers for extra flavor and texture.

• In salads: Toss sauerkraut into a salad to add tanginess and probiotic goodness.

• Topping for hot dogs or tacos: Forget the usual relish — sauerkraut makes a delicious and healthy topping for hot dogs and tacos.

• In grain bowls: Mix sauerkraut into quinoa or rice bowls for a satisfying, gut-friendly meal.

• With roasted vegetables: Sauerkraut pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or even Brussels sprouts.

• In dips: Chop it up finely and add it to creamy dips like hummus or guacamole for a probiotic boost.

As you can see, sauerkraut is an incredibly versatile ingredient that adds flavor, texture, and health benefits to a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer it as a side, in your favourite bowl, or as part of a larger dish, sauerkraut can elevate your meals while supporting your gut health.

Making sauerkraut at home is not only a fun culinary project but also a great way to incorporate probiotics into your diet. It’s simple, cost-effective, and incredibly beneficial for gut health. Whether you enjoy it as a condiment, in salads, or as part of your main meals, sauerkraut is a nutritious addition to your diet.

Ready to start your sauerkraut-making journey? For those looking to support their gut health alongside this homemade delight, check out The Good Bug’s collection of probiotics and fermented products. Start your health journey today with high-quality, gut-friendly products designed to make digestion smoother and metabolism stronger.

Shop Now and Begin Your Gut Health Journey with The Good Bug!