Description
Southern fried cabbage pairs crispy bacon with tender cabbage leaves in a skillet favorite. Quick and easy, it’s a side dish full of savory depth that matches well with almost any main.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head green cabbage (cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound bacon (finely chopped)
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Render bacon in a medium-hot skillet until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté chopped onions in the bacon drippings until they soften and turn translucent, about 4-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage into the skillet, seasoning generously with paprika, optional cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution of spices.
- Cook cabbage mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetable becomes tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 10-12 minutes. The cabbage should maintain a slight crunch while appearing wilted and glossy.
- Crumble reserved crispy bacon over the cabbage, gently folding to integrate the smoky pieces throughout the dish. Allow the bacon to warm for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, straight from the pan or on a platter, with the bacon and cabbage well combined.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor depth and crispier texture that adds incredible richness to the cabbage.
- Consider removing bacon seeds if desiring milder heat profile while maintaining subtle spicy undertones.
- Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven softening during skillet preparation.
- Opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced versions to enhance authentic, robust taste and aromatic qualities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg