Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage, enhanced by savory bacon, aromatic onions, and a touch of garlic.
This comforting recipe is a staple in Southern and rustic cooking, loved for its versatility and ease of preparation.
Perfect as a side dish or a hearty standalone meal, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table with its rich, smoky, and slightly caramelized flavors.
Ingredients
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head of cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Onion:
Add the sliced onion to the pan with the bacon drippings. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Cook the Cabbage:
Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon drippings.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
Season:
Sprinkle with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine with Bacon:
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the bacon and meld the flavors.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Variations and Tips
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for cooking. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.
Additional Vegetables: Include shredded carrots, bell peppers, or thinly sliced celery for extra color and texture.
Vinegar Kick: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar at the end for a tangy flavor.
Tips
Bacon Substitution: Use pancetta or turkey bacon if preferred.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the cabbage in batches if necessary to ensure even caramelization.
Make Ahead: This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a comforting, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or simply enjoyed on its own!
How to Store Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Short-Term Storage
Refrigerator:
Allow the dish to cool completely.
Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
Stovetop:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the leftover cabbage. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave:
Place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until hot.
Long-Term Storage
Freezer:
Although cabbage dishes can be frozen, the texture of the cabbage may soften further upon thawing.
If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing:
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips for Storing
Store leftovers separately if making a large batch; this prevents overcooking during reheating.
Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Proper storage ensures your Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic retains its flavor and texture for maximum enjoyment!
Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a deliciously satisfying dish that provides a flavorful balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.
Each serving typically contains around 200 calories, with 7 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat.
The dish offers 11 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of sugar, making it a relatively low-carb option. Additionally, it contains 25 milligrams of cholesterol and 450 milligrams of sodium, with a decent amount of potassium at 350 milligrams.
If you opt for a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon, the fat and sodium content will be significantly lower.
Overall, this recipe provides a flavorful and nutrient-rich side dish that’s easy to adjust for different dietary needs, such as keto or low-carb diets.
For more precise nutritional information, consider inputting your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator.