Ah, Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic — a classic comfort dish with crispy, savory bacon and caramelized cabbage. Here’s a detailed recipe for a perfect skillet version:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 6–8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage (about 1–1.5 kg), cored and thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, adds tang)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Add the sliced onion to the bacon fat. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
3. Cook the Cabbage
- Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir to coat with the bacon fat, onions, and garlic.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Add Bacon and Finish
- Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet.
- Drizzle with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if using. This adds brightness to the dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve
- Serve hot as a side dish or even as a main with eggs, mashed potatoes, or sausage.
💡 Tips:
- For deeper flavor, cook the cabbage low and slow so it caramelizes slightly.
- You can mix green and red cabbage for color and added sweetness.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet — the flavors intensify overnight.
If you want, I can give a quick 15-minute version that keeps the cabbage slightly crunchy and still super flavorful — perfect for busy weeknights.
Do you want me to give that version too?
