Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a savory, satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main for a low-carb meal. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and fragrant garlic adds tons of flavor to the cabbage, making it an irresistible comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded or chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can chop it into larger chunks, but smaller pieces will cook down more easily.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for cooking the cabbage. If there’s too much, discard the excess grease.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Cabbage:
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the cabbage cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized. The cabbage should soften and shrink as it cooks down.
- If the cabbage starts to stick to the bottom, you can add a little butter or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.
5. Season the Dish:
- Season the cabbage with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
- For added flavor, stir in apple cider vinegar (for tang) and red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat).
- Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the crispy bacon bits.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve it hot as a side dish with your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own as a simple, hearty meal.
Tips for Success:
- For a Smokier Flavor: Use smoked bacon or add a pinch of liquid smoke for an even smokier taste.
- Cabbage Texture: If you like your cabbage to have a little crunch, reduce the cooking time. If you prefer a softer, more tender texture, cook it a bit longer until it’s fully wilted and caramelized.
- Add More Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish, such as carrots or bell peppers, for extra color and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: This dish is naturally low-carb, but you can add cauliflower rice or serve it with grilled chicken for a complete low-carb meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve this fried cabbage as a main dish alongside grilled meats, like chicken, pork chops, or steak.
- Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with comfort food like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or roast chicken.
- Breakfast: This fried cabbage would be fantastic as a breakfast side with eggs or scrambled eggs.
- Tacos: You can also use it as a filling for tacos or wraps with grilled chicken or beef.
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors that come together quickly in one pan. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a low-carb main, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe for family meals and gatherings. Enjoy!
