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Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick and easy comfort dish that elevates simple cabbage with crispy, smoky bacon and sautéed onions. This savory side is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or complementing a variety of main courses. The recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter or reserved bacon fat

Optional Ingredients

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish or herb infusion)
  • Apple cider vinegar or honey, a splash or drizzle (for sweet and tangy twist)
  • Sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese, shredded or grated (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the green cabbage, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves so everything is ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon pieces. Cook until crispy and golden brown, then remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Cabbage and Season: Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, allowing the cabbage to soften but still retain some texture and color.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and slightly browned around the edges, stir the crispy bacon back into the pan. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or cheese.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: fry cabbage in batches if needed to ensure proper browning.
  • Use bacon fat for cooking for enhanced flavor rather than draining it all off.
  • Slice cabbage thinly to promote even cooking and better flavor absorption.
  • Cook on medium or low heat to avoid burning and to develop deep flavor.
  • Customize with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried cabbage, bacon, sautéed cabbage, side dish, quick recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/fried-cabbage-with-bacon/