Easy Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic Recipe

Crispy bacon adds incredible depth to this fried cabbage recipe that transforms a humble vegetable into a mouthwatering side dish.

Salty pork pieces dance alongside tender cabbage ribbons, creating a symphony of flavors.

The combination of caramelized onions and minced garlic intensifies every single bite.

Skillet magic happens when these ingredients meld together, releasing irresistible aromas that fill your kitchen.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Delightfully simple yet packed with robust flavor, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

This quick and satisfying dish might just become your new favorite weeknight companion.

Why Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic Tastes Good

• Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and tender cabbage create a mouthwatering combination that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.
• Pair this fried cabbage with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or enjoy as a hearty standalone vegetable dish that complements countless main courses.

What You’ll Need for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

• Bacon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish. Choose thick-cut bacon for better crunch and depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential for building a flavor foundation. Fresh, firm onions and fragrant garlic will enhance the overall taste profile.

• Cabbage: Serves as the main vegetable component with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Green cabbage works best for this recipe, offering a crisp texture when cooked.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance and balance the dish's flavors. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense taste.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the bacon. Use a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for best results.

Cooking Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic at Home

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Grab a large skillet and set it on medium heat. Toss in chopped bacon and let it dance and sizzle. Stir occasionally, watching it transform into golden, crunchy bits. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once perfectly crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Using the same skillet with its magical bacon drippings, introduce sliced onions. Let them softly caramelize, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes. Drop in minced garlic and let it release its intoxicating aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Welcome the Cabbage

Slide shredded cabbage into the skillet. Gently mix with onions and garlic. Allow the cabbage to soften and mingle with the flavors. Cover with a lid to speed up cooking, but keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Elevate with Seasonings

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously. For adventurous palates, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. In the final moments of cooking, splash some apple cider vinegar to introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Step 5: Final Flourish

When cabbage reaches tender perfection with crispy edges, reunite it with the crispy bacon. Give it a final taste and adjust seasonings. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite main dish.

Best Tips for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

• Drain Bacon Perfectly: Pat bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crispy texture without sogginess.
• Slice Cabbage Uniformly: Cut cabbage into consistent, thin shreds for even cooking and better flavor distribution.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the dish's depth and complexity.
• Control Cooking Texture: Cover the skillet briefly to steam cabbage, then uncover to allow edges to caramelize and develop a delightful crispness.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Replace bacon with turkey bacon or smoked tempeh for lighter protein options that maintain the dish's rich flavor profile.

Reheating and Storing Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal freshness and flavor.
• Transfer cabbage to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the fried cabbage in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir frequently until heated evenly, about 3-5 minutes.
• Bacon might lose its crispness when reheated. For best texture, sprinkle freshly crisped bacon bits on top just before serving the reheated dish.

Perfect Sides for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

• Create the Perfect Plate
• Grilled pork chops or roasted chicken perfectly complement the rich, smoky bacon-infused cabbage. The meat's savory profile matches wonderfully with the dish's robust flavors.
• Select a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the bacon's richness. These white wines offer a refreshing contrast that brightens the entire dining experience.
• Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits make excellent accompaniments. They soak up the delicious bacon fat and provide a comforting texture that enhances the overall meal.
• Serve alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a complete, satisfying dinner. These starchy sides absorb the cabbage's flavorful juices and create a hearty, filling meal.

Flavor Additions for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based protein option that delivers similar smoky flavors and crispy texture.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Keep the original recipe as-is since it's already low-carb and compliant with ketogenic dietary requirements, ensuring minimal modifications.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients are gluten-free, especially if using pre-packaged bacon, and ensure no cross-contamination during preparation.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add diced jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for a more intense heat profile that amplifies the dish's bold flavor characteristics.

Fried Cabbage With Bacon, Onion, And Garlic Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Southern “fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic” brings comfort straight from family kitchens to your plate. Crispy bacon and tender cabbage meld together, promising a hearty side dish that will delight hungry diners with its rich, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), cored and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additions:

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Position a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and render the bacon until achieving a golden, crispy texture. Carefully extract the bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined surface, reserving the rendered fat within the pan.
2. Reduce heat to medium and introduce sliced onions into the bacon drippings. Caramelize the onions until they transform into a soft, translucent golden hue, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence without scorching.
4. Gradually fold shredded cabbage into the skillet, ensuring even distribution with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the cabbage to wilt and soften, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
5. Sprinkle kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes across the developing dish. Drizzle apple cider vinegar to introduce a subtle tangy undertone that complements the rich bacon flavors.
6. Continue cooking until cabbage reaches a tender consistency with slightly crisp edges, approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. Reintroduce the crispy bacon fragments, gently folding them into the cabbage mixture to reconnect all flavor components.
8. Transfer the vibrant, fragrant preparation to a serving dish, presenting a rustic side that pairs wonderfully with hearty protein selections.

Notes

• Customize bacon choices for different dietary needs by using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian options.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for depth without intense heat.
• Enhance texture by cutting cabbage into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent tender-crisp results.
• Maximize flavor development by using high-quality bacon and allowing ingredients to caramelize slowly over medium heat for richer taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg