How To Make the Best Fried Cabbage
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
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, this simple side will deepen your love. Simply put, 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.
What Is Fried Cabbage?
Fried cabbage is a popular and easy stovetop side dish that requires just a handful of basic ingredients that pack in tons of flavor. All you need is bacon and cabbage, a couple of aromatics and spices, and a large skillet.
You’ll start by cooking the bacon until crisp, then use the rendered fat to cook the cabbage alongside sautéed onions. The bacon and a pinch of smoked paprika lend a rich smokiness to the tender, buttery leaves.
The Best Cabbage for Fried 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. Other varieties of cabbage like napa and savoy have more tender leaves, which easily wilt against the heat.
For this recipe, you’ll want to pick up a medium head of green cabbage, which is about two to three pounds.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage is a hearty, savory side you can partner with just about any main you’re cooking up for dinner. It’s a natural fit with chicken, pork, and steak, and offers extra richness to mild white fish. You can even serve it alongside buttered noodles or a side dish to make that bowl of soup a more filling meal. And when St. Patty’s Day rolls around, this is a must with corned beef.
Should you want to top it with a fried egg or two and turn it into a meal, that’s also a good idea. I recommend dividing the cabbage between bowls or plates and using the same skillet to cook up the eggs, in order to maximize flavor and minimize dirty dishes.
How to Make the Best Fried Cabbage
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
Serves4
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
Equipment
Cutting board and chef's knife
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables and bacon. 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.
Brown the bacon. 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.
Sauté the onion. Add the onion to the bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
Cook the cabbage. 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.
Stir the bacon into cabbage. 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.