Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is one of those dishes that captures the essence of comfort food with a twist. The combination of soft cabbage and crunchy bacon creates a delightful contrast in every bite, while the sautéed onions and garlic bring aromatic depth that makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany a hearty meal or a satisfying main course that’s both easy and budget-friendly, this recipe shines.
Table of Contents
I stumbled upon this delicious creation during a lovely dinner party, where a friend prepared it as a side dish. Little did I know that this simple meal would soon become a staple in my kitchen! With its crispy bacon, vibrant cabbage, and rich flavors, Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions quickly became a family favorite. Now, I’m excited to share this easy recipe with you, so you can enjoy it just as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and fragrant garlic create an explosion of deliciousness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish as pretty as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for any main course or even as a light lunch on its own.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets—just watch bacon labels!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces: The heart of this dish, bringing a crispy texture and smoky flavor. You can substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth. Feel free to use red onions for a sharper flavor or shallots for a milder taste.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for that aromatic touch. Fresh garlic is crucial; dried won’t give you the same flavor.
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces (about 8 cups): The star of the dish! Look for firm heads with vibrant green leaves. Savory cabbage can also work well if you want something different.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning: Enhances the dish with a kick. You can substitute with your favorite seasoning blend or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste: Seasonings to elevate flavor—adjust based on your spice tolerance and preference.
How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry the 6 slices of chopped thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a bowl for later use. Drain about half of the bacon drippings from the pan but keep enough to sauté the other ingredients; this adds flavor.
Sauté the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add the 1 medium yellow onion to the remaining drippings. Cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Once the onions are tender, throw in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Add the Cabbage: Now it’s time for the star! Toss in 1/2 large chopped green cabbage along with the 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and sprinkle salt and pepper as you see fit. Stir everything well to combine, then cover the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, removing the lid to help steam the cabbage and ensure even cooking.
Finish It Off: When the cabbage is tender and reduced in volume, remove the lid and fold in the reserved bacon. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with all those wonderful flavors mingling together.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions, let it cool down completely before refrigerating. Place in an airtight container, where it will keep well for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it; just use a freezer-safe container and keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it appears too dry. Keep in mind that reheating may cause the cabbage to lose some crunch, but you can revive it with a quick sauté.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the bacon initially; leaving it slightly chewy before adding the cabbage gives a great texture.
- When cooking the onions, adjust the heat as needed to prevent them from browning too quickly.
- You can prep the cabbage the day before and store it in the fridge for a quicker assembly.
- Remember that fresh vegetables should have some bite; aim for tender but not mushy cabbage.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy accent right before serving—it’s an exciting twist!
This Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a fantastic side or main course that perfectly blends simplicity with heartiness. Plus, it allows room for creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use a bit of olive oil for sautéing. You can add plant-based bacon or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Is it possible to use other types of cabbage?
Yes! Red cabbage or savoy cabbage both work beautifully. They’ll offer different textures and colors, making your dish even more visually appealing.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients a day in advance by chopping the cabbage and onions. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, making it a perfect side. It’s also delicious as a filling in a wrap or topped with an egg for an easy brunch option. Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions combines savory bacon and sweet onions with tender cabbage for a delicious, easy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a comforting side dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Fry the chopped bacon in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl for later. Drain half of the bacon drippings, keeping some in the pan for the other ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Sauté until softened and translucent, roughly five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cabbage is cooked, uncover and stir in the reserved bacon. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar when cooking the cabbage.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
