Sizzling Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic Recipe

Southern crispy fried cabbage with bacon swirls flavor into every single bite of this mouthwatering side dish.

Savory bacon pieces dance through tender cabbage leaves, creating a rich and irresistible combination.

Onions and garlic add depth to the skillet, releasing an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.

The simple ingredients transform into a delectable companion for any main course.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smoky, caramelized notes that complement hearty meals.

Prepare to experience a classic Southern comfort recipe that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this incredibly delicious cabbage creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion & Garlic Amazing

• Bacon: Brings smoky richness and crispy texture, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor impact.
• Bacon Fat: Natural cooking fat that adds depth and enhances overall taste sensation.

• Onions: Provides sweet undertones and foundational flavor, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent warmth and complexity, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.

• Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and nutritional boost, pick fresh heads with tight, vibrant green leaves and no brown edges.

• Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces optional spicy kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and cuts through richness, use high-quality raw vinegar for best results.

Tools for Cooking Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Garlic

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for cooking bacon, sautéing onions, and preparing the entire dish.
• Paper Towels: Used to drain excess bacon fat and keep the bacon crispy.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bacon, slicing onions, and shredding cabbage.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Lid (Optional): Helps speed up cabbage cooking process.

Steps to Sauté Perfect Fried Cabbage with Bacon

• Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a hot skillet until golden and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

• Caramelize Onions and Garlic

Use the bacon drippings to sauté onions until they turn soft and golden. Add garlic and cook until aromatic.

• Transform the Cabbage

Toss shredded cabbage into the skillet, mixing with onions and garlic. Cook until cabbage wilts and edges become slightly crisp, stirring occasionally.

• Enhance the Flavors

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the dish. Splash a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

• Combine and Plate

Mix crispy bacon back into the cabbage. Stir everything together and let flavors meld for a minute. Serve immediately while hot and bursting with savory goodness.

Flavor Tips for Fried Cabbage with Onion & Garlic

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar during the last few minutes of cooking to brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness of the bacon.
• This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it perfect for those following strict dietary plans without sacrificing incredible taste.
• Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use plant-based bacon bits or crispy mushrooms to create a similar smoky, savory profile for vegetarian friends.
• Prepare this dish in advance and reheat in a skillet, adding a little extra bacon fat or olive oil to refresh the flavors and maintain the delicious crispy texture.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun spice, Italian herbs, or Korean chili flakes to transform the basic recipe into a global culinary experience.

How to Serve Fried Cabbage for Any Meal

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Pair this hearty fried cabbage with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Breakfast Breakfast Twist: Serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs and crispy toast for a delicious morning meal that brings extra excitement to your breakfast table.
• Southern-Style Sidekick: Complement this dish with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to create a true southern-inspired dining experience that celebrates classic comfort food flavors.
• Quick Meal Booster: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness that elevates the overall presentation and taste profile.

Best Ways to Keep Fried Cabbage Tasting Great

• Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture absorption.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispy bacon and prevent soggy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Portion cooler cabbage into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months for future quick meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare larger batches to use throughout the week. Pair with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or serve over rice for versatile, satisfying meals that save time and reduce cooking stress.

FAQs

• Why use bacon fat in this recipe?

Bacon fat adds incredible flavor and helps caramelize the onions and cabbage, creating a rich, deep taste that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor, and use olive oil instead of bacon fat for sautéing.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy?

Cook on medium-high heat, stir frequently, and avoid covering the pan for too long. This helps the cabbage maintain some texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Is this dish nutritious?

Cabbage is low in calories, high in vitamins K and C, and packed with antioxidants. Adding bacon provides protein, while onions and garlic offer additional health benefits.

Crispy Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern-style fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic delivers a hearty skillet dish packed with savory flavors. Crispy bacon and caramelized vegetables combine for a comforting side you’ll crave with any meal.

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lb / 900 g), cored and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Rendering: Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Crisp the bacon until golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while preserving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Onion Caramelization: Reduce heat to medium and sauté sliced onions in bacon drippings until they soften and turn a rich golden color, developing a sweet, mellow flavor profile.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic and swiftly toast for a moment, releasing its intense fragrance without burning, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
4. Cabbage Transformation: Introduce shredded cabbage into the skillet, tossing thoroughly with onion and garlic. Allow the cabbage to wilt and become tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
5. Seasoning and Enhancement: Sprinkle kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes across the mixture. Splash apple cider vinegar to inject a bright, tangy dimension that balances the bacon’s richness.
6. Final Fusion: Continue cooking until cabbage reaches a perfect consistency – tender with slightly crisp edges. Reintegrate the crispy bacon pieces, gently folding to distribute flavors throughout the dish.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer the vibrant, fragrant cabbage mixture to a serving dish, ready to accompany robust main courses with its rustic, comforting appeal.

Notes

• Crisp Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunchier texture, ensuring better rendering of fat and more substantial bacon pieces.
• Cabbage Cutting Technique: Slice cabbage into uniform, thin strips to guarantee even cooking and prevent uneven wilting or burning.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat during cooking to prevent burning garlic and allow cabbage to soften gradually without becoming mushy.
• Vinegar Balance: Add apple cider vinegar sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the dish’s natural richness; start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg