Description
This easy fried cabbage recipe is a delicious and hearty Southern-style side dish featuring tender, sautéed cabbage cooked with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic. Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, it offers a flavorful way to enjoy cabbage with a smoky, savory twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan along with olive oil (if additional fat is needed), salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss everything to coat the cabbage evenly with the fat and seasonings. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Combine Bacon and Finish: Stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the cooked cabbage and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve the fried cabbage hot as a flavorful side dish to your favorite main courses.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with butter or additional olive oil.
- Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to imitate the smoky flavor without meat.
- Pair this side dish with cornbread or grilled sausages for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
