Description
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a flavorful, comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Tender cabbage is sautéed with crispy bacon, sweet onions, garlic, and a touch of butter to create a savory combination with a hint of caramelization. Ready in just 30 minutes, it serves six and makes a hearty addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 4 ounces bacon (about 5 thick-cut strips)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 head green cabbage (roughly 2 ½ to 3 lbs.)
Seasoning
- ¾-1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep cabbage: Remove the stem end from the cabbage. Place it cut-side down on a cutting board and cut it in half, then into quarters. Remove the core by cutting at an angle in the middle of each quarter. Thinly slice the cabbage quarters into pieces roughly ¼ inch thick and about 3 inches long.
- Cut bacon: Slice the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. For thick-cut strips, slice lengthwise down the middle before cutting into smaller pieces.
- Cook bacon: Add the bacon pieces to a large stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
- Remove bacon from pan: Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Cook onion: In the reserved bacon grease, sauté the diced onion over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant.
- Add cabbage: Add the butter and half of the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Toss well to combine with onions and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining cabbage along with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a slight caramelization, increase heat to medium-high during the last few minutes.
- Add bacon and serve: Once the cabbage is tender, return the bacon to the skillet and warm through. Serve immediately with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon as it renders more fat and crisps nicely.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially since bacon adds saltiness.
- To caramelize cabbage without burning, stir frequently and monitor heat in the final minutes.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave but are best enjoyed fresh.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a hearty side for vegan meals if bacon is omitted.
