If you have been looking for a delicious way to enjoy a classic Southern favorite, this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is absolutely the one to try. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings tender, slightly caramelized cabbage together with crispy bacon and savory seasonings, creating a perfect harmony of textures and taste. Whether you want a comforting side or a low-carb meal option, this recipe delivers the kind of homemade goodness that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a medley of comforting flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the smoky crispiness of the bacon to the mild sweetness of the cabbage, ensuring each bite is satisfying and robust.
- 1 medium head green cabbage (cored and chopped): The star of the dish, providing crunch and a slightly sweet base.
- 6 slices bacon (chopped): Adds smoky flavor and irresistible crisp texture.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth for a savory boost.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the skillet.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): Offers a subtle smoky warmth and color.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness): Adds a silky finish and richness to the cabbage.
How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it’s beautifully crispy. This step renders out all that flavorful fat you’ll use to sauté the vegetables, so be sure not to rush it. Once cooked, scoop the bacon out and set it aside, leaving all those tasty drippings right in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, add the diced onion into the bacon grease and cook it until it softens and becomes translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which complements the cabbage perfectly.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough for its fragrance to awaken your senses—around 30 seconds. Garlic is a powerhouse flavor here, elevating the whole dish without overpowering it.
Step 4: Toss in the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the cabbage. Throw in the chopped cabbage and give it a good stir to coat every piece in the bacon-infused oil and onions. Season everything with salt, pepper, and that optional paprika if you want a smoky twist. Let the cabbage cook gently, stirring every so often so it softens and starts to brown lightly on the edges—this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Finish by Adding Bacon and Butter
Once the cabbage is tender and has those appetizing golden bits, fold the crisped bacon back in. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a pat of butter and stir it in to give the dish an extra creamy richness. Then, your Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is ready!
How to Serve Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over your fried cabbage just before serving. These garnishes add a lovely pop of color and a mild bite that really livens up the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a hearty side, especially when paired with Southern classics like cornbread, fried chicken, or even grilled pork chops. Its smoky, savory profile complements these mains beautifully and helps balance richer flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving the cabbage over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or as a topping on baked sweet potatoes for a cozy, comforting meal. Another fun idea is to stuff it into warm tortillas with some cheese and avocado for a quick cabbage wrap that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cool it down completely before sealing it to maintain that fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you want to meal prep. Package it tightly in a freezer-safe container and it will stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the cabbage gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This helps the cabbage retain some of its texture compared to the microwave, which can sometimes make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional, you can try savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and taste. Just adjust cooking time as these varieties tend to cook faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use oil or butter for sautéing. Adding smoked paprika helps mimic that smoky flavor you’d get from bacon.
How spicy is this dish with paprika?
The paprika here is very mild and intended to bring warmth and color, not heat. If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms pair wonderfully with cabbage and bacon, adding even more flavor and nutrients.
What’s the best way to make the cabbage less bitter?
Cooking the cabbage slowly over medium heat and letting it caramelize naturally reduces bitterness. Also, seasoning generously with salt enhances its natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the simplicity and soulfulness of this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that turns ordinary ingredients into a plate of absolute joy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this warm, tasty side or main—you won’t regret it!
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Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is a flavorful Southern-inspired side dish where tender cabbage is sautéed with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic. Enhanced with optional paprika and butter for richness, this dish offers a comforting and hearty complement to any meal. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, it features a delicious balance of savory and slightly smoky flavors, making it a beloved classic.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the bacon grease in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the bacon grease and onion mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and lightly browned. This step usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Add a pat of butter if desired for extra richness and flavor. Mix well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a savory side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage or ham for bacon if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can provide a pleasant tangy twist to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a richer dish, use the optional butter, but it’s also delicious without it to keep it lighter.
