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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence without scorching.
- 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.
- 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.
- Continue cooking until cabbage reaches a tender consistency with slightly crisp edges, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Reintroduce the crispy bacon fragments, gently folding them into the cabbage mixture to reconnect all flavor components.
- 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