🥬 Best Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
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1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chicken broth (or water)
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1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté aromatics
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Add diced onion to the bacon drippings; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the cabbage
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Add chopped cabbage to the skillet; toss to coat in bacon drippings and onions.
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Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook over medium heat 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
4. Season
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Stir in cooked bacon, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
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Cook an additional 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Serve
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Serve hot as a side dish with fried chicken, pork chops, or any Southern meal.
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Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
🌟 Tips
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For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
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Use savoy cabbage for a slightly sweeter and more tender texture.
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Don’t overcook — cabbage should be tender but still have a little bite.
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Leftovers taste great reheated with a little extra butter or bacon drippings.
If you want, I can give a creamy Southern fried cabbage version that adds a little richness with cream or cream cheese — super decadent and still authentic-tasting.
Do you want me to provide that version?
