Sizzling Savory Fried Cabbage With Bacon & Aromatics Recipe

Comfort meets simplicity in this mouthwatering fried cabbage with bacon that brings hearty flavor to your dinner table.

Crispy bacon bits dance alongside tender cabbage in a skillet of pure deliciousness.

Caramelized onions and aromatic garlic create a symphony of savory notes that will make your taste buds sing.

The combination of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet elements makes this dish irresistible.

Each forkful promises a rich, satisfying experience that transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, this recipe offers a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with almost any main course.

Dive into this rustic, flavor-packed creation and savor every delectable bite.

Tools To Help Cook Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking bacon and sautéing ingredients evenly.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from the pan without excess grease.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade needed for chopping cabbage, bacon, onions, and garlic precisely.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients safely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Help add the right amount of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Bacon Transformation

Crisp up delicious bacon in a spacious skillet, letting the fat melt and create a flavorful base. Transfer the golden-brown bacon pieces onto a paper towel, keeping the rich drippings behind.

• Aromatic Flavor Foundation

Toss diced onions into the sizzling bacon fat, allowing them to soften and turn translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic, releasing its incredible fragrance throughout the kitchen.

• Cabbage Celebration

Drop chopped cabbage into the skillet, coating it with the savory bacon essence. Let the cabbage dance and caramelize, turning tender and slightly golden at the edges.

• Flavor Explosion

Splash in a touch of apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy twist. Dust with smoky spices and a pinch of salt to elevate the entire dish’s character.

• Final Flourish

Reunite the crispy bacon with the cabbage, mixing everything into a harmonious blend. Serve immediately, letting the warm, comforting aromas invite everyone to the table.

Tricks And Tweaks For Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Bacon Fat Magic: Maximize flavor by using high-quality bacon and saving every drop of rendered fat for extra depth in your dish. Different bacon varieties like hickory-smoked or peppered can transform the overall taste profile.
• Texture Control: For crunchier cabbage, cook for a shorter time and keep heat slightly higher. Softer lovers can extend cooking time and reduce heat to achieve a more mellow, melted texture that practically dissolves in your mouth.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Swap regular cabbage with nutrient-dense green cabbage for fewer carbohydrates. This version works perfectly for keto and low-carb diet followers who want a satisfying, hearty side dish.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and add plant-based bacon alternatives like tempeh or coconut bacon bits. Olive oil can substitute bacon fat for similar richness without meat.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Introduce red pepper flakes for heat lovers or incorporate ground cumin for a smoky southwestern flair. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish's aromatic profile without overwhelming the core flavors.

How To Serve Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Hearty Southern Comfort Plate: Pair this rich, savory cabbage with classic Southern-style mains like crispy fried chicken, country ham, or juicy pulled pork for a traditional down-home meal.
• Quick Protein Boost: Toss the fried cabbage over fluffy quinoa or brown rice and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed, one-skillet dinner that's both satisfying and nutritious.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside buttermilk biscuits, scrambled eggs, and crispy hash browns for a weekend brunch that celebrates rustic, comforting flavors with a Southern twist.
• Low-Carb Meal Option: Use this cabbage dish as a perfect low-carb side for grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish, creating a delicious meal that's light and full of flavor.

Best Storage Tips For Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Smart Meal Prep Strategies
• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare large quantities of this dish and divide into meal-sized containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Refrigerate up to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Store bacon separately from cabbage to maintain its crispiness. Mix just before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve the delightful textural contrast.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Cool the cabbage mixture completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in skillet.
• Leftover Transformation Hack: Repurpose cold fried cabbage by chopping and adding to omelets, salads, or using as a zesty topping for grilled meats. Breathe new life into yesterday's meal with creative mixing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You Need For Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic

• Bacon: Adds smoky, rich depth and crispy texture; choose thick-cut for maximum flavor impact.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity; select fresh, firm cloves without sprouting for best taste.

• Cabbage: Creates hearty, tender base with slight sweetness; pick firm, compact heads with crisp, bright leaves.
• Onion: Offers sweet, mellow undertones; select firm, heavy onions without soft spots or bruising.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers warm, smoky complexity; opt for high-quality Spanish varieties for authentic flavor.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall taste; use kosher or sea salt for more nuanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic punch; freshly ground provides superior flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright, tangy notes; choose unpasteurized for deeper, richer profile.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal garnish; select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Savory Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic combines Southern comfort with quick skillet magic. Crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, and tender cabbage create a delightful side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Bacon Rendering: Slice bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and golden, allowing fat to release completely.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Remove crispy bacon to a paper towel, leaving drippings in the skillet. Sauté diced onions in the bacon fat until they become translucent and develop a soft caramel color.
3. Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its robust aroma without scorching.
4. Cabbage Transformation: Introduce chopped cabbage to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with bacon fat and allowing it to wilt and slightly caramelize around the edges while stirring occasionally.
5. Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste. Deglaze with a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the rich flavors and add a tangy dimension.
6. Final Fusion: Reincorporate crispy bacon pieces into the cabbage, gently folding to distribute evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Control Bacon Crispness: Render bacon slowly at medium-low heat to achieve perfect golden crispiness without burning, ensuring maximum flavor development and ideal texture.
• Prevent Cabbage Waterlogging: Pat cabbage dry before cooking and use high heat to encourage caramelization, avoiding soggy results by allowing moisture to evaporate quickly.
• Optimize Flavor Layering: Add garlic after onions to prevent burning and maximize aromatic intensity, creating a robust flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or smoked mushrooms for vegetarian versions, maintaining the dish’s smoky depth while accommodating different dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg