Easy Bacon Fried Cabbage
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
369 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Easy Bacon Fried Cabbage
Description
Easy Bacon Fried Cabbage uses chopped bacon cooked until crispy to provide rich, flavorful fat for sautéing onions and cabbage. Cooking the cabbage in very hot bacon grease allows it to sear, developing slight crispness outside while remaining tender inside. Seasonings like smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and garlic enhance the dish’s savory profile. The onions soften first, bringing mild sweetness, while the garlic adds intensity near the end of cooking. The finished cabbage retains a balance of textures, with the bacon pieces folded back in for added chew and saltiness. Green onions sprinkled on top offer a mild, fresh contrast.
This side dish pairs well with many meals needing a flavorful vegetable component, particularly those that complement smoky or savory flavors. It can be served immediately while the cabbage still has some crispness. Tender but not mushy, the cabbage highlights the benefits of cooking in bacon fat for richness and depth.
The notes emphasize cooking in batches for crispy bacon and maintaining high heat for the cabbage to sear quickly. Adding salt at the end prevents excess water release, keeping the texture slightly crisp. Using savoy or green cabbage is preferred for best results. A cast iron skillet is ideal for even searing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon chopped into 1-inch pieces, sliced
- 1 onion finely sliced
- 1 medium cabbage cored and chopped, head
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Garnish:
- green onion chopped
Instructions
- Place a large cast iron skillet or non-stick deep pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon pieces in one layer and cook until crispy. If needed, cook in batches. Once cooked, remove from pan and set aside on a plate.
- Discard the grease, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft.
- Add the chopped cabbage, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Toss and cook until tender but still a little crispy, for about 7-10 minutes. Toss and taste. If needed, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook cabbage for a few more minutes until the preferred tenderness is achieved (skip this if you prefer crisp cabbage).
- Add the garlic, salt, and bacon, and cook cabbage for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately, and garnish with chopped green onions if you'd like.
Notes
- Cook bacon in a single layer for maximum crispness; do in batches if needed.
- Keep the bacon grease hot to sear the cabbage quickly for a tender inside and crispy outside.
- Let cabbage sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before stirring to build texture.
- Add salt towards the end to avoid cabbage releasing too much water and becoming soggy.
- Savoy or green cabbage work best for flavor and texture in this recipe.
- A cast iron skillet enhances searing and flavor development.
- Pat excess grease off bacon before adding it back to the cabbage to avoid greasiness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 369 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 369kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 916mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 433mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 56.8mg | 63% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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