Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This easy fried cabbage recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish featuring crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and a touch of smoky paprika. It’s quick to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook until crispy, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté the cabbage with the seasonings for 12 to 15 minutes. The cabbage should become buttery soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked bacon to the pan and toss everything together. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version; add a little olive oil instead of bacon grease.
• Use green or Savoy cabbage based on your texture preference—Savoy tends to be a bit more tender.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or a plant-based fat instead of bacon grease for sautéing the vegetables.

What can I serve with fried cabbage?

This fried cabbage pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, sausages, or as part of a hearty vegetarian meal with potatoes or grains.

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This easy fried cabbage recipe combines crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and tender cabbage seasoned with stone ground mustard and smoked paprika for a flavorful, comforting side dish. Perfectly caramelized and buttery soft, it’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy cabbage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 6 pieces bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 head cabbage (sliced and chopped)

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the sliced bacon pieces. Cook until they become crispy, then transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Remove excess bacon grease: Pour off some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons to cook the vegetables in.
3. Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
5. Add cabbage: Place the sliced and chopped cabbage on top of the mixture in the pan. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cabbage is buttery soft and slightly caramelized.
6. Combine with bacon: Toss the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients before serving.

Notes

• For a milder flavor, substitute stone ground mustard with Dijon or yellow mustard.
• Adjust smoked paprika quantity for desired smokiness.
• Use green or savoy cabbage as alternatives for different textures.
• To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing.
• Serve as a side with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main dish with added beans or tofu.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: fried cabbage, bacon and cabbage, easy cabbage recipe, sautéed cabbage, low carb side dish