Fried cabbage with bacon and onion recipe

 

This simple, one-pan dish transforms humble cabbage into a deeply flavorful and comforting side. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onion, and savory sautéed cabbage is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with anything from roast chicken to grilled sausages.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6 as a side

Ingredients

• 4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 6 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Add the butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and heat over medium-high until melted.

• Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cabbage:

• Add all of the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly.

• Season with the salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the cabbage in the butter and bacon fat.

4. Simmer and Caramelize:

• Cook, stirring every few minutes, for about 10-15 minutes. The cabbage is done when it has wilted, become tender, and developed some golden-brown, caramelized spots.

• Stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the skillet and heat through.

5. Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Chef's Notes & Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

• Deglaze (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth when the cabbage is nearly done, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.