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This golden, savory side dish—Fried Cabbage With Bacon Onion And Garlic—is comfort food at its best, merging crisp-tender cabbage with smoky bacon, sweet onion, and aromatic garlic in a single skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You don’t need a fancy oven—just one skillet and a stovetop.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry staples: cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic.
- Gluten-free and low-carb, perfect for various diets.
- A budget-friendly side that feels fancy.
- Scales up easily for gatherings or potlucks.
- Leftovers keep well—great for meal prep lunches.
- Delivers a delightful balance of crisp and tender textures.
- Brings a classic Southern comfort vibe to any table.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces (applewood-smoked recommended)
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), outer leaves removed and thinly sliced (≈6 cups)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Crisp the bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp—about 8 minutes. Tip: drain excess fat if more than 2 Tbsp, but keep a little for flavor. - Sauté the onion
Toss in sliced onion, stirring to coat in bacon fat. Cook 3–4 minutes until translucent with sweet caramelized edges—worth the patience. - Add the garlic
Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook just 30 seconds—once it smells heavenly, you’re done. - Fry the cabbage
Turn heat to medium-high. Add cabbage (and oil or butter, if using), then press down and let it brown for a minute before stirring. Repeat 2–3 times until cabbage is tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes. - Season and serve
Season with salt and pepper, give a final toss, then remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley and transfer to a warm dish. It’s best enjoyed immediately so you get those crisp-tender bites!
Servings & Timing
- Makes: 4 servings as a side dish
- 10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook—30 minutes total
Variations
- Stir in sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
- Swap bacon for diced pancetta or smoked sausage to change up the smokiness.
- Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar for bright acidity.
- Use coconut “bacon” and liquid smoke for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add diced bell peppers alongside the onion for extra color and sweetness.
- Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese to introduce a tangy note.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cabbage softens over time but remains flavorful. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low (add a splash of water or broth to revive moisture), or microwave 1–2 minutes. Freezing isn’t ideal—cabbage can get mushy—but you can freeze the raw chopped veggies for future use.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes—swap bacon for plant-based “bacon” bits and use a touch of smoked paprika for that charred flavor.
Q: Will red cabbage work?
A: Absolutely—a bit earthier in taste and more colorful on the plate.
Q: How do I avoid soggy cabbage?
A: Don’t crowd the pan; let the cabbage brown undisturbed before stirring.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Sure—slice cabbage and onions a day ahead, store separately, then cook when you’re ready.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats—perfect for keto meal plans.
Q: What pairs well with this side dish?
A: Think roasted chicken, pork chops, or creamy mashed potatoes—see my skillet pork chops post for ideas!
Q: Any tip for extra smoky taste?
A: A sprinkle of smoked salt or a drop of liquid smoke really amps up the flavor.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: You can, but fresh-cut cabbage usually has a crisper texture and fewer preservatives.
Conclusion
Fried Cabbage With Bacon Onion And Garlic proves that humble veggies can steal the spotlight when paired with smoky bacon and sweet onions. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food that fits effortlessly into weeknight or holiday menus. Give it a try, drop me a note about your favorite variation, and don’t miss my other easy side dish recipes—your table will thank you!
Fried Cabbage With Bacon Onion And Garlic
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 small green cabbage about 1.5 lbs, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter optional, for extra richness
- ½ tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
- pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes, pouring off excess fat if needed.
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet with bacon drippings. Cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and starting to caramelize.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add cabbage and optional olive oil or butter. Let sit for a minute to brown, then toss and repeat until cabbage is tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
