Step 1: Begin by preparing your cabbage. Remove any tough outer leaves from a medium head of green cabbage. Quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and then finely chop or shred it.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain the cabbage thoroughly in a colander. Once cool enough to handle, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial for preventing soggy patties.
Step 3: While the cabbage cools, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, well-drained cabbage, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed, but not overly wet. If it feels too loose, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Heat the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook them in batches.
Step 7: Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The goal is a deep, rich golden color. Once cooked, transfer the Easy Crispy Cabbage Patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or side dishes and enjoy!