Fried Cabbage Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming skillet of Fried Cabbage, its savory aroma curling through the kitchen, promising nostalgia and satisfaction in every forkful. Crunchy yet tender cabbage gets cozy with smoky bacon, sweet onions, and a touch of garlic, transforming humble veggies into a soul-warming side (or even a main dish!) that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Fried Cabbage is all about turning just a few everyday ingredients into something special. Each one brings a layer of flavor, color, and texture—together, they create pure skillet bliss!

• Green Cabbage: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it’s the heart of the dish—choose a firm head for crisp-tender results.
• Bacon: Smoky, salty, and decadent, bacon renders fat for flavor and irresistible crispy bites throughout.
• Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; any large yellow onion works beautifully.
• Garlic: Just two cloves bring that essential aromatic punch that makes every bite sing.
• Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings ensure every ingredient shines—taste and adjust as you go.
• Beef Broth (or broth of choice): Introduces a hit of savory richness and helps the cabbage cook down without drying out.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be shy about making it your own! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, working with what’s in the fridge, or keeping things plant-based, Fried Cabbage is an easy dish to riff on.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap bacon for smoked paprika and olive oil, and use vegetable broth for all the flavor, minus the meat.
• Add Sausage: Toss in sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage with the onion step to make it a main course.
• Spice It Up: Dust in some red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce along with the garlic for a subtle heat.
• Cabbage Blend: Mix green and red cabbage—or even toss in a handful of shredded carrots—for extra color and crunch.

How to Make Fried Cabbage

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon

Start by chopping the bacon into generous, one-inch pieces. Add them to a large skillet and fry over medium heat for about five minutes. The bacon should start to render its fat and go from soft to perfectly crisp around the edges, creating the flavor base for the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté everything together, stirring regularly, for 5–10 minutes or until the onions are golden, the garlic is fragrant, and the bacon is deep brown and tempting.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Slowly begin adding the chopped cabbage, stirring after each handful to help it wilt down. It may seem like a lot at first, but cabbage cooks down quickly once it hits the skillet’s heat and all that delicious bacon fat.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth and let everything cook together for 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your ideal tenderness. Stir occasionally and let the broth reduce—it infuses every bite with rich, savory goodness.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat, taste, and adjust with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Fried Cabbage piping hot, with the bacon glistening on top, and watch it disappear from the table!

How to Serve Fried Cabbage

Garnishes

Fried Cabbage loves a simple touch—sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color, scatter a few crispy bacon bits on top for crunch, or even a crack of extra black pepper to finish. For a bit of zing, a light squeeze of lemon works wonders.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines next to classic comfort foods like roast chicken, pork chops, or juicy meatloaf. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even eggs for a surprisingly delicious Southern breakfast. The possibilities are endless!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Fried Cabbage high in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, farmhouse look. Or, serve individual portions in small stoneware bowls with extra bacon crumbles. If you’re entertaining, create a cabbage and sausage slider by stuffing the mixture into toasted buns for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Fried Cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to keep flavors fresh and texture just right.

Freezing

Love meal prep? You can freeze portions of Fried Cabbage for up to two months. Cool completely first, then pack into freezer-friendly containers or bags. Note that the cabbage texture softens a bit after thawing—but the flavor still shines!

Reheating

For tastiest results, reheat Fried Cabbage gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. In a hurry? The microwave works fine too—just cover to prevent drying and check after short bursts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all the secrets to the absolute best Fried Cabbage, I hope you’ll give this recipe a spin in your own kitchen. It’s a little old-fashioned, a lot comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles—even to those who think they don’t like cabbage! Pull out your skillet and treat yourself to this timeless favorite.

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