If you have been looking for a luscious, comforting Southern staple that’s both simple and packed with flavor, this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender cabbage sautéed in savory bacon drippings, brightened with apple cider vinegar, and kissed with just the right hint of spice makes for an addictive side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe that turns humble ingredients into a sensational bite, perfect for weeknights or whenever you want a taste of home-cooked goodness without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, each bringing its unique note to the dish’s harmony. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s rich, savory, and ever so slightly tangy with superb texture and color.
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped: The star vegetable, offering a fresh crunch that softens beautifully when cooked.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky depth and a delightful crispiness that permeates the cabbage.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness that balances the savory bacon.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a gentle zing to heighten the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brightens the dish with a subtle tang that cuts through richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and peppery bite.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a luscious finish, enriching the cabbage with creamy smoothness.
How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. This step not only gives you that crave-worthy crunch but also infuses the pan with incredible flavor through the bacon drippings, which are essential for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving all those delicious drippings behind. Toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness and forms a lovely base for the cabbage.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic to the softened onion and cook everything for another minute. This brief step allows the garlic to release its aroma and flavor, enhancing the savory depth without burning.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time to add your chopped cabbage to the pan. Toss it thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in those flavorful bacon drippings. Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s tender with edges that start to caramelize a bit. This process creates a lovely balance of texture—soft and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Once the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, stir in the apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Finally, return the butter and crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring everything until the butter is melted and the flavors meld together in a silky, savory finish.
How to Serve Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh chopped parsley leaves or green onions over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe pairs beautifully with Southern classics like cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled sausages or pork chops, turning any meal into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try using the fried cabbage as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or as a filling in warm tortillas for a cabbage wrap. You can also mix it with cooked grains or beans to create a wholesome main dish salad with a Southern flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy side to reheat and enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture, though it can last up to 3 months if tightly sealed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cabbage over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and retains its lovely texture. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use a couple of tablespoons of olive oil instead. This will still give you a deliciously sautéed Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe with plenty of flavor, though it will have a different, lighter profile.
Is it possible to use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with Savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times as Napa cabbage tends to cook faster due to its tender leaves.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, bell peppers, or even some chopped tomatoes work well for additional color and flavor. Just add them early enough in the cooking process so they soften alongside the cabbage.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be a suitable substitute. Both will provide that much-needed brightness to balance the richness.
How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle background heat that complements the savory flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less or skip them entirely.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something utterly gratifying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Southern-style cooking, this dish is an easy, flavorful way to brighten your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as you savor every delicious bite.
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Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy fried cabbage recipe is a classic Southern side dish featuring tender cabbage sautéed in flavorful bacon drippings with onions, garlic, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Perfectly seasoned and simple to prepare, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without letting it brown.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to coat it with the bacon drippings, onions, and garlic. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and develops a slight golden-brown color.
- Season: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. This adds a nice tang and subtle heat that balances the flavors.
- Finish with Butter and Bacon: Return the cooked bacon to the pan and add the tablespoon of butter. Stir everything until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined, creating a rich, savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the fried cabbage warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead for sautéing.
- You can add smoked sausage or kielbasa to make this a heartier main dish.
