Description
Southern fried cabbage offers a classic Southern comfort dish with crispy bacon and tender cabbage leaves. Home cooks can quickly prepare this simple side that pairs perfectly with main courses and delivers rich, savory flavors you’ll crave.
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.
- Transfer the Southern-style cabbage to a serving platter, presenting a harmonious blend of crisp bacon, soft vegetables, and robust seasonings. Serve immediately while piping hot.
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: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- 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