Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is one of those humble dishes that sneaks up on you with its deliciousness. When you first notice those crispy bits of bacon mingling with tender cabbage and the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions, you realize it’s not just comfort food; it’s a delightful way to elevate any meal. Whether served as a side dish at a busy dinner table or as a cozy main course on a quiet night in, this dish is sure to gather everyone around, sniffing the air and anticipating what’s cooking.
Table of Contents
Getting in the kitchen to whip up Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a breeze, and anyone can do it – even those who feel like kitchen novices. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s not only easy on the wallet but also a total crowd-pleaser. With that crispy, savory bacon dancing throughout the tender cabbage, how could you resist? I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Smoky bacon and sweet onions add depth to the fresh cabbage.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green cabbage contrasts beautifully with crispy bacon bits.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course; it fits any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped: Provides that smoky goodness; feel free to use turkey bacon as a lighter option if desired.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Sweet and savory, this onion brings great flavor; you can swap in red onion for a slightly sharper taste.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick; fresh garlic is always the best.
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces (about 8 cups): This is the star of the show! Napa or Savoy cabbage can be used for a milder flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning: This adds a warm, zesty touch; adjust to your heat preference or leave it out for a milder option.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste: Essentials for seasoning; monitor salt if you’re using salty bacon.
How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Cook the Bacon: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until it’s nice and crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan, placing it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Leave about half of the bacon drippings in the pan; this fat will flavor your veggies beautifully.
Sauté the Onions: Once the bacon’s been removed, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped 1 medium yellow onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! Toss in the 3 cloves minced garlic next, and let it cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Cabbage: It’s time to bring in the greens! Add the chopped 1/2 large green cabbage to the skillet, followed by 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the lid occasionally to give everything a good stir and check how tender that cabbage is getting.
Stir in the Bacon: Once the cabbage has softened to your liking, remove the lid and stir the reserved bacon back into the skillet. If you fancy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately, allowing your family or guests to savor the see-and-smell appeal of this wonderfully vibrant dish.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your leftovers in tip-top shape, store any uneaten Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about 3 to 5 days. If you need to freeze it, place the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. The texture might soften a bit, but for a refreshing touch, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should be tender but still have some crunch to retain its great texture.
- If you prefer a deeper flavor, try letting the cabbage caramelize a bit longer.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for more even cooking; take the bacon and onions out about 15 minutes before starting.
- If you desire to add some protein, shredded chicken or cooked sausage makes a tasty addition!
- Feel free to experiment with spices; try a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is such a delightful dish, and I hope you find the joy in making it for yourself, your family, or friends. It brings warmth and comfort in every bite, all while being a cinch to prepare. Don’t shy away from personalizing it to suit your tastes; maybe a sprinkle of cheese at the end or a dash of your favorite hot sauce would elevate it even more. Enjoy this culinary embrace, and remember, cooking should always be a fun adventure!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the bacon with a splash of olive oil and smoked paprika for that depth of flavor. Consider using smoked tempeh for a plant-based protein knock-out.
What can I serve with fried cabbage?
This dish pairs beautifully with meats, like grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish. You can also serve it atop rice or as a hearty filling in tacos.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
The cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp, with a vibrant green color. It’s cooked perfectly when it’s easy to pierce with a fork but not mushy.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can definitely use pre-shredded cabbage; just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook faster than chopped cabbage. Enjoy your culinary creation!
More Dinner Recipes
- Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage and Bacon
- Cheesy Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions
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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
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions combines delicious bacon, sweet onions, and savory cabbage for a quick and hearty meal. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for any home cook.
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 (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl. Drain half of the bacon drippings, leaving some for the other ingredients.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Sauté until soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the bacon and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Thick-cut bacon adds more flavor and texture to the dish.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
This dish pairs well with cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
