Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that makes the most out of humble ingredients. The crispy bacon adds richness and smokiness, while the onions and garlic bring a delicious aromatic base. The cabbage is tender, with a slight caramelization from frying, making it a fantastic side dish or even a light main course. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this fried cabbage recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This fried cabbage recipe works beautifully because of the balance between savory, smoky, and aromatic flavors. The cabbage, when fried, becomes tender and absorbs the wonderful essence of the bacon and the seasonings. The bacon provides both flavor and texture, adding crispness while infusing the cabbage with a savory depth. The garlic and onion complement the cabbage’s natural sweetness, creating a dish that’s flavorful without being overwhelming. The addition of onion and garlic powder deepens the flavor further, making this dish incredibly satisfying.
This dish is also highly versatile. You can adjust the amount of garlic, bacon, or onions to suit your preferences, and the recipe can be made quickly with just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect side to accompany a variety of proteins, from grilled meats to roasted chicken, or even as a standalone dish served with crusty bread.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients for Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic:
- 1 small head of cabbage (chopped): Cabbage is the star of this dish, and its subtle flavor and texture make it the perfect vehicle for the smoky bacon and aromatic spices.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Onions bring a natural sweetness and mild sharpness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic intensity and richness.
- 5 slices of bacon (chopped): Bacon is key for adding a savory, smoky flavor and crisp texture to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory, onion flavor in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and helps intensify the dish’s savoriness.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Cabbage: Start by cutting the cabbage into thin strips. You can also chop it coarsely if you prefer a heartier texture. Remove the core and any tough outer leaves before slicing.
- Chop the Onion: Dice the onion into small pieces. The onions will soften and caramelize slightly as they cook.
- Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly distributes throughout the dish.
- Chop the Bacon: Cut the bacon slices into small pieces. This will help them crisp up faster and spread throughout the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Crisp the Bacon: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the pan and cook until it turns crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. Once crisp, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until the onions start to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
- Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir it well to combine with the onions and garlic. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan.
- Season the Cabbage: Sprinkle the cabbage with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the Cabbage: Continue to cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the cabbage cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. If you prefer your cabbage a bit more wilted, you can cook it for a few extra minutes. The cabbage will soften and pick up the flavors from the bacon, onions, and garlic.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Finish the Dish: Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients, allowing the bacon to heat through and mingle with the cabbage.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. This ensures even heat distribution and helps caramelize the cabbage for a rich, deep flavor.
- Adjust Bacon Fat: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can drain some of the bacon fat after cooking the bacon. Just leave enough to sauté the onions and garlic for added flavor.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you like a touch of sweetness in your cabbage, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey during the cooking process. This will enhance the cabbage’s natural sweetness and balance the savory flavors.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onion powder.
- Leftovers: Fried cabbage is great for leftovers! The flavors develop even more overnight. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses:
- With Grilled Meat: This dish is an excellent side for grilled steaks, chicken, or pork chops. The savory bacon and tender cabbage complement the charred flavors of grilled meat perfectly.
- As a Standalone Dish: If you prefer a light meal, serve fried cabbage with a side of crusty bread for a simple, satisfying dinner.
- With Roasted Chicken: The rich flavors of fried cabbage pair wonderfully with roasted or rotisserie chicken, adding depth to the dish.
- With Sausages: Fried cabbage goes wonderfully with sausages like bratwurst, kielbasa, or smoked sausage. The smokiness of the sausages complements the bacon in the cabbage.
- With Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving a heartier meal, serve the fried cabbage with mashed potatoes or a potato salad.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Conclusion
Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish to a hearty meal or as a light, stand-alone dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and aromatic onions and garlic create a balanced and savory flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat. Enjoy!