Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Ingredients:
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1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6–8 cups)
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4–6 slices of bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, sliced thinly
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
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Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
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In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced onion and sauté over medium heat until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Cabbage:
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Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the cabbage in the bacon drippings, onions, and garlic.
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Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and caramelize, about 10–15 minutes. If you like your cabbage more tender, you can cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam it.
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Season and Add Bacon:
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Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
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Add the apple cider vinegar to the cabbage and give it a good stir. This adds a nice tang that balances out the richness of the bacon and garlic.
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Stir the crispy bacon back into the cabbage.
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Serve:
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Once the cabbage is tender and well-seasoned, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like, for a little pop of color and freshness.
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Serve warm as a side dish.
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Pro Tips:
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Make it heartier: Add some sliced sausage (like kielbasa or smoked sausage) to the skillet for a full meal.
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Flavor twist: For a little extra flavor, toss in a spoonful of mustard or a drizzle of honey to balance out the vinegar’s tang.
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Cook it longer: If you like your cabbage well-caramelized and a bit crispy, cook it longer—this will bring out even more sweetness from the cabbage.
💡 Variations: If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also add a handful of shredded carrots or apple slices to the cabbage as it cooks for a subtle sweetness.
This dish pairs really well with anything smoky or grilled, and it’s so simple, you’ll want to make it often. Are you a fan of cabbage dishes, or is this your first time trying something like this?
