Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Introduction

Looking for a savory and satisfying side dish? Look no further than Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic. This dish combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and aromatic garlic, all tossed with tender cabbage for a simple yet flavorful experience. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to use cabbage in a new, exciting way.

Ingredients for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

To make this delicious fried cabbage, you’ll need:

• 1 medium head of cabbage (shredded)
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Cook the Bacon

• Begin by heating a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly.
• Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the sliced onions. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Cabbage

• Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Let the cabbage cook down, stirring occasionally. You can cover the pan with a lid to help the cabbage cook faster, but be sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning.

4. Season the Dish

• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with apple cider vinegar during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The vinegar adds a tangy depth to balance the richness of the bacon.

5. Finish and Serve

• Once the cabbage is tender and slightly crispy at the edges, stir in the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main courses.

Tips for Making the Best Fried Cabbage

• Cutting the Cabbage: For even cooking, be sure to slice the cabbage thinly. This helps it cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.
• Adjusting Texture: If you prefer your cabbage more tender, cook it longer. If you like it with a bit of crunch, reduce the cooking time.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your fried cabbage by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.
• Make it Smoky: For a smoky touch, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins like vitamin C and K. It also contains fiber, which promotes digestive health. When paired with the healthy fats from bacon and olive oil, this dish becomes both tasty and beneficial.

Perfect Pairings for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

This dish makes a great side for many main courses, including:

• Grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or chicken
• Comfort foods like mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or cornbread
• A hearty meal like roasted chicken or fried fish

Conclusion

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish that can elevate any meal. The crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and savory garlic combine perfectly with the tender cabbage, creating a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and discover how simple ingredients can come together for an unforgettable side dish!

Serving and Storage Tips for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Serving Tips:

• Pair with Main Dishes: Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic complements a variety of main dishes, including meats like grilled steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or fried fish. It’s also great alongside comfort foods like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or meatloaf.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: For a burst of color and flavor, top your fried cabbage with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese such as Parmesan.
• Make it a One-Pan Meal: You can add some protein like sausage or chicken to turn this dish into a more substantial meal. Just cook the protein alongside the bacon, then add the cabbage and continue with the recipe.
• Serve as a Side or Main: While this dish is perfect as a side, it can also be served as a light main course for lunch or dinner, especially if you’re looking for a low-carb option.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Leftover fried cabbage should be cooled down to room temperature and stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Although cabbage dishes can be frozen, the texture might change slightly when reheated. If you choose to freeze, store the fried cabbage in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the fried cabbage in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of olive oil or water to help retain moisture. You can also microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip for Freshness:

If you plan to make this dish in advance, consider storing the bacon separately and adding it just before serving. This will help keep the bacon crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this flavorful fried cabbage dish on multiple occasions!

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You can substitute it with plant-based bacon, smoked tofu, or simply add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your fried cabbage, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the level of spice based on your preference.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just make sure to cook it well, as pre-shredded cabbage may release more moisture and take slightly longer to crisp up.

4. How do I keep the cabbage from becoming too soggy?
To avoid soggy cabbage, be sure to cook it over medium-high heat and stir occasionally. If the cabbage releases too much moisture, you can increase the heat slightly to allow it to cook off and become tender without becoming too soft.

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