This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe is a classic Southern dish known for its smoky, savory flavor. Made with bacon, butter, and a medley of spices, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic side for a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped with core removed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Cook Bacon
- Prepare Bacon:
- In a large frying pan, cook the bacon strips over high heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Do not discard the bacon grease.
Sauté Aromatics
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pan with the bacon grease, add butter.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and cook over high heat until the onions start to brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Prepare Cabbage
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, add the chopped cabbage.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic from the frying pan to the saucepan.
- Add all spices, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the cabbage.
- Stir well to coat the cabbage evenly with the spices and liquids.
Cook Cabbage
- Simmer:
- Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- The cabbage is done when it's softened but not wilted.
Final Touches
- Add Bacon:
- Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir into the cabbage mixture.
- Serve the cabbage hot.
Tips
- Cooking Vessel: If you don't have a large enough frying pan with a lid, consider using a large pot for the simmering step to ensure even cooking.
- Cabbage Texture: Adjust the cooking time based on your texture preference for the cabbage. Cook less for a crunchier texture and longer for a softer texture.
- Cabbage Type: Use a fresh head of cabbage instead of pre-shredded bagged cabbage, as fresh cabbage holds up better during cooking and provides a better texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 577mg
- Potassium: 374mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 384IU
- Vitamin C: 59mg
- Calcium: 86mg
- Iron: 2mg
Conclusion
This Southern Fried Cabbage is a flavorful and hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cooking. With its mix of savory bacon, aromatic spices, and the natural sweetness of cabbage, it's sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether served as a side or as part of a larger spread, this dish offers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Southern Fried Cabbage is a classic comfort food, known for its simple ingredients and rich flavors. This dish combines tender cabbage with aromatic spices, creating a hearty side that's perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add the Cabbage:
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, mixing well to coat with the bacon grease. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften and brown slightly.
-
Season:
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika over the cabbage. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and nicely caramelized.
-
Finish with Vinegar and Sugar:
- Add the apple cider vinegar and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
-
Reintroduce Bacon:
- Add the cooked bacon back to the pan, mix well, and heat through.
-
Serve:
- Serve hot as a side dish to complement your main course.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing.
- Add a kick with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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