Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

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📖 Description:

This savory fried cabbage dish features crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and aromatic garlic, all pan-fried with tender cabbage. It’s a soul-warming Southern comfort food that’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Serve it alongside cornbread, grilled meats, or enjoy it on its own!

🌍 Origin:

Southern United States – A staple in Southern and soul food cooking, fried cabbage is beloved for its budget-friendly ingredients and deep flavor, often enhanced with bacon drippings and simple seasonings.

🧾 Ingredients (with Quantity):

🥓 Main Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

🧂 Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance bitterness)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Add sliced onions to the pan and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat with the bacon grease and mix with the onion and garlic.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
  6. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Optional: add vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy finish before serving.

💡 Tips for Success:

  • Chop cabbage evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet — it helps the cabbage fry rather than steam.
  • Let some bits of cabbage brown for added flavor (those crispy edges are golden!).
  • Add seasonings in stages and taste as you go.

🌟 Recommendations:

  • Serve as a side dish with pork chops, sausage, roasted chicken, or cornbread.
  • Make it a meal by adding kielbasa, ham, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
  • Reheats well — perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~180
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Sodium: 400mg

Nutrition may vary based on bacon type and added ingredients.

Would you like a vegetarian version, or a low-sodium adaptation?

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