Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
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

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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.