Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This humble fried cabbage with onions and bacon transforms a simple vegetable into a comforting side dish that pairs with nearly anything. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage creates an impressive flavor profile despite using just a handful of ingredients.

My grandmother used to make this dish when I was growing up, and it was the only way I would eat cabbage as a child. Now it's a regular in my own kitchen, especially during fall and winter when cabbage is at its peak freshness and affordability.

Ingredients

• Head of cabbage: The star ingredient that becomes sweet and tender when cooked. Look for a firm, heavy cabbage with crisp leaves.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness as it caramelizes. Yellow onions work best, but white onions are fine too.
• Minced garlic: Provides essential aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic offers the best taste, but jarred works in a pinch.
• Bacon strips: Creates the flavor foundation and adds smoky protein. Choose thick cut bacon for more substantial bacon pieces.
• Reserved bacon grease: The secret ingredient that makes everything delicious. Never discard this liquid gold.
• Onion powder: Enhances the natural onion flavor. Make sure yours is fresh for best results.
• Garlic powder: Provides depth and complements the fresh garlic. Look for garlic powder without added salt.
• Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all other flavors. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper make a difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon:

Place bacon strips in a cold, large skillet and heat over medium until crispy, about 10 minutes. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once golden and crisp, transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Reserve every drop of that flavorful bacon grease in the pan.

Sauté the aromatics:

Add chopped onion to the reserved bacon grease over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent and beginning to turn golden at the edges. This develops sweet, complex flavors that will permeate the entire dish.

Add garlic:

Toss in minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. The aroma will tell you when it's perfectly cooked.

Cook the cabbage:

Reduce heat to medium low and add chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir to coat with bacon grease and aromatics, then cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.

Season the dish:

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the cabbage. Continue cooking uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate and flavors to concentrate.

Finish and serve:

Crumble the reserved crispy bacon and scatter it over the cabbage. Give everything a final gentle toss to incorporate the bacon pieces throughout. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

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The bacon is truly the magic element in this recipe. I once tried making a vegetarian version with olive oil instead, and while still good, it lacked that distinctive depth. My husband says the bacon transforms cabbage from boring to craveable, and I completely agree.

Storage and Reheating

This fried cabbage stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. When reheating, use a skillet rather than a microwave to maintain texture. Add a small splash of water if it seems dry, and stir frequently until heated through. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months, though the cabbage texture will soften slightly upon thawing.

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Versatile Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions. To make it more substantial, stir in a cup of cooked kielbasa or smoked sausage slices during the last few minutes of cooking. For an Irish twist, add diced boiled potatoes and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Vegetarians can substitute smoked paprika and olive oil for the bacon components, though you'll want to add a bit more salt to compensate.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile side dish complements almost any protein. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or pan seared fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with other comfort foods like mashed potatoes and meatloaf. For a simple yet satisfying lunch, top a bowl of fried cabbage with a fried or poached egg. During St. Patrick's Day celebrations, it makes an excellent alternative to traditional boiled cabbage, offering more flavor while honoring the spirit of the holiday.

Cultural Significance

Fried cabbage with bacon appears in many culinary traditions across Europe, particularly in Irish, German, Polish and Southern American cooking. Cabbage has long been valued for its affordability, long storage life, and nutritional properties. These practical qualities made it essential for sustaining families through harsh winters before modern conveniences. The addition of bacon or other pork products was traditionally a way to add flavor and sustenance to an otherwise humble vegetable dish, turning necessity into comfort food that has endured for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative. It won't produce as much grease, so you may need to add a bit of oil or butter for cooking the onions and cabbage.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter for cooking. You can also add smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor of bacon.

→ How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Cook the cabbage over medium to medium-low heat and avoid overcooking. Simmer until just tender, and keep the cooking time short once the seasonings are added.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

→ What are some variations of this dish?

You can add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and sweetness, or a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist. For a spicy version, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This savory cabbage dish pairs well with roasted chicken, seared pork chops, or grilled sausage. It also works as a simple topping for rice or mashed potatoes.