Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a savory, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and packed with delicious smoky and umami flavors. The bacon adds a rich depth, while the onion and garlic bring extra savory goodness to the cabbage. It’s perfect as a side dish for any meal or can even be enjoyed on its own!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 4-6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Shredded Cabbage:
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Let the cabbage cook down, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until it starts to soften and brown slightly.
- Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
4. Finish the Dish:
- Once the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, stir in the cooked bacon. If you want extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the cabbage and let it melt into the mixture.
- For a little tang, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar at this point, stirring to combine.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with meats like grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak, or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish.
Tips:
- For more flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to mix in some sliced bell peppers or carrots for added color and texture.
- Make it a meal: Add cooked sausage or ground beef to the pan for a more substantial dish.
Enjoy!
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that everyone will love. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage is simply irresistible!