Fried Cabbage

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer, with more than 10 years of professional experience. As an expert meal planner and avid home cook who loves grocery shopping and helping people figure out what to cook for dinner, I'm a natural fit as The Kitchn’s Dinner Therapist. Since graduating from The University of Scranton and The French Culinary Institute, I've authored three cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen. My kitchen superpower is turning a random assortment of ingredients into easy, delicious dinners that even my young son will eat.
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Jan Valdez
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer at The Kitchn
I got into this field by spending 10 years working in Research & Development and Product Development test kitchens, testing new products and recipes. For nearly eight years, I was the Senior Culinary R&D Specialist at Weber headquarters, where all the grills are designed, engineered, and tested. I've helped launch numerous best-selling, top-rated grills across the globe (you should see my grill collection at home!). One of my proudest accomplishments happened years earlier, when I had the opportunity to visit the Good Housekeeping Institue in NYC after developing an award-winning Tropical Citrus Shrimp recipe that jumpstarted my career in test kitchens and food editing. Since then, I've worked at Serious Eats (one of my favorite food sites) and EatingWell as an updates editor. I'm passionate about both classic recipes and new, unique twists. I'm constantly learning and that's what makes food and cooking so fun (just ask me how to bake light and airy pavlovas on the grill – I've tested them countless times!).
updated Mar 13, 2024
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Cabbage, bacon, and a couple of spices join forces for a quick and easy, smoky-sweet side dish that will forever change the way you think about cabbage.

Serves4

Prep5 minutes

Cook21 minutes to 23 minutes

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If you’re skeptical about cabbage, this is the recipe that will turn you into a believer. And if, like me, you already adore cabbage (and are always looking for cabbage recipe ideas), this simple side will deepen your love. Simply put, Southern-style fried cabbage will forever change the way you think about this basic cruciferous vegetable. Partnered with bacon and cooked alongside onion and smoky paprika, crisp cabbage becomes tender and picks up a mellow sweetness that’ll win you over in just one bite.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Fried cabbage is the easiest side dish. It’s all made in one skillet.
  • You only need a handful of ingredients. Just cabbage, bacon, and a couple of aromatics and spices.
  • It packs in tons of flavor. Bacon and a pinch of smoked paprika lend a rich smokiness to the tender, buttery leaves.
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

Key Ingredients in Fried Cabbage

  • Cabbage: A basic head of green cabbage is the most commonly used variety and our go-to when making fried cabbage. Green cabbage has crisp, sturdy leaves that hold their shape well when cooked. Plus, it’s also readily available and inexpensive.
  • Bacon: Just a few slices gives the cabbage so much flavor.
  • Onion: You’ll need one small yellow onion.
  • Spices: We love smoked paprika for its smoky flavor and aroma. Garlic powder is a pantry ingredient that gives a hint of garlic flavor throughout.

How to Make Fried Cabbage

  1. Prepare the vegetables and bacon. Chop the cabbage into rough 1-inch pieces, dice the onion, and cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.
  2. Brown the bacon. Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet until browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Sauté the onion. Cook in the bacon grease until softened.
  4. Cook the cabbage. Cook the cabbage until tender and lightly browned.
  5. Stir the bacon into cabbage. Add the bacon to the cabbage and stir. Serve warm.
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Stylist: Cyd McDowell

What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is a hearty, savory side you can partner with just about any main you’re cooking up for dinner. Here are a few of our favorites.

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Fried Cabbage Recipe

Cabbage, bacon, and a couple of spices join forces for a quick and easy, smoky-sweet side dish that will forever change the way you think about cabbage.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 21 minutes to 23 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1

    small yellow onion

  • 1/2

    medium (2- to 3-pound) head green cabbage (about 8 cups chopped)

  • 6 slices

    bacon (about 6 ounces)

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    smoked paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Show Images

  1. Finely dice 1 small yellow onion. Core and chop 1/2 head green cabbage into rough 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups). Cut 6 slices bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.

  2. Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and most of the fat has rendered out, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Do not discard the grease.

  3. Add the onion to the bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. Add the cabbage, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. Return the bacon to the skillet and stir into the cabbage. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Filed in:
easy
Gluten-Free
How To
Ingredient
low-carb
Side Dish