Description
This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe offers a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy tender cabbage cooked with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic. Enhanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar and optional heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is a classic Southern side that’s perfect for complementing your favorite comfort foods. Quick to prepare and cooked on the stovetop, it’s a delicious, savory vegetable dish that brings depth and warmth to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Meat
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed for cooking)
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth (optional for moisture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly under cold water. Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut the cabbage in half. Remove the core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or frying pan, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the Bacon Grease: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
- Cook the Cabbage: Slowly add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the onions and garlic. If the skillet seems dry, add a little olive oil or chicken broth to help with the cooking process.
- Season the Cabbage: Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cabbage cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the cabbage starts to stick, you can add more chicken broth or a splash of water to prevent burning.
- Add Vinegar: Once the cabbage is tender and well-cooked, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and stir to mix. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes uncovered for the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve: Finally, return the cooked bacon to the skillet, give it a good stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or as a main dish with cornbread.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Chicken broth is optional but helps prevent the cabbage from sticking and adds extra flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer vegetarian, omit the bacon and substitute with olive oil or plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Serve with cornbread or your favorite Southern sides for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
