If you’re looking for a side dish that’s irresistibly savory, a little smoky, and ready in a flash, this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Tender cabbage, aromatic onions, crisp bacon, and just the right tang come together in a one-pan wonder that brings Southern comfort straight to your table. This dish is humble yet bursting with flavor, and you’ll love how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a distinct role, layering flavor, texture, and pops of color for a crowd-pleasing finish you’ll crave again and again.
- Green cabbage: The heart of the dish, its mild sweetness and hefty crunch stand up perfectly to frying.
- Bacon: Adds delicious smoke and salt, plus those irresistible crispy bits that make every bite special.
- Onion: Sautéing brings out its rich, savory-sweet side, blending beautifully with the cabbage.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic goes a long way to adding aroma and depth to each forkful.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky backbone that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and balancing the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
- Black pepper: Brings the perfect subtle bite to round out the seasonings.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional): A splash at the end adds brightness and zing—highly recommended!
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by adding your chopped bacon to a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook it over medium heat. Let the pieces sizzle until they’re beautifully crispy, rendering their fat and bringing a mouthwatering smokiness to the pan. Use a slotted spoon to set the bacon aside, but don’t wipe out those drippings—you’ll need them for the vegetables!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In those glorious bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Stir and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes, coaxing out its sweet, savory flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all it takes to infuse the oil with garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Fry the Cabbage and Season
It’s time for the cabbage to shine! Toss in the chopped cabbage along with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a big stir until the cabbage is evenly coated in the seasonings and bacon goodness. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender but still hold a gentle bite, and develop golden caramelized edges that add so much flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the crisp bacon to the pan and, if you like, drizzle in the apple cider vinegar for a tangy lift. Let everything mingle for another minute or two, then taste for seasoning. Serve your Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe hot, topped with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
For a dash of color and brightness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top of your finished dish before serving. A few cracks of fresh black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate it further, and if you want a punchy finish, try a few chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe pairs beautifully with nearly any main dish—think roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or a perfectly seared steak. It’s also terrific alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a slice of warm, buttery cornbread to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to spark conversation at the table? Serve the cabbage in a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch, or mound it onto crostini to turn it into an appetizer. For brunch, top it with a fried egg and let the yolk mingle with the savory cabbage for pure heaven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight!
Freezing
If you’re planning to keep the cabbage longer, freezing is a cinch. Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe back to life, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave, but a skillet will help keep some of those delicious caramelized bits intact. Add an extra splash of vinegar if needed to brighten things back up.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil instead. You can toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to keep that signature flavor, and a handful of mushrooms is a lovely, hearty swap.
What kind of cabbage is best for the Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe?
Green cabbage is classic here, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and substance. Savoy or Napa cabbage also work well and bring a slightly different, delicate texture if you like to experiment!
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but it’s easy to tailor! The recipe as written is mild and family-friendly, but you can always add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you crave a kick.
Can I prep the cabbage ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can core and chop the cabbage a day in advance; just store it in a sealed bag in the fridge. This makes dinner prep ultra speedy when you’re ready to cook!
How do I keep the cabbage from becoming mushy?
Don’t overcook it! Sauté the cabbage just until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Stirring occasionally and keeping an eye on the texture ensures it retains some bite, making your Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe taste fresh and vibrant every time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe as I am to share it. It’s one of those dishes you’ll turn to whenever you want easy comfort in a hurry. Let your skillet work its magic, and get ready for a side that might just steal the show!
Print
Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for delicious fried cabbage with bacon, onions, and garlic, seasoned perfectly and cooked to tender perfection. This Southern-inspired side dish is full of flavor and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Cabbage:
- 1 medium head green cabbage (cored and chopped)
Bacon:
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
Onion Mixture:
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Add chopped onion to the skillet with bacon drippings. Sauté until softened, then add garlic.
- Cook Cabbage: Add cabbage, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Finish: Return bacon to the pan, add apple cider vinegar if desired, and cook briefly to blend flavors. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use butter or olive oil. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
