Get a “head” of dinner with Fried Cabbage—a delicious side dish made from simple yet savory ingredients!
Growing up, the only type of cabbage dish I ever experienced was boiled. To me, it doesn’t matter if cabbage is boiled with ham, butter, sausage, tomatoes, or onions; it just tastes like vegetables that are too wet. When I moved out and did my own grocery shopping, cabbage was never part of my haul. No cabbage in my early years had given me any good reason to buy it as an adult. What is it with twentysomethings, thinking they know everything?
Some years later, I ended up at a local farmers’ market, perusing the biggest produce booth out that day. I turned a corner and spotted the most beautiful cabbage I had ever seen. It was a gorgeous shade of green, with curly edges on the outer leaves. The booth attendant saw me admiring it and encouraged me to buy it (of course he did; that’s his job). Back at home, giant cabbage in tow, I realized I had to eat the thing. That’s the first time I fried cabbage in bacon fat, and it’s the last time anyone had to talk me into buying a cabbage.
Fried cabbage with bacon has got to be in the top five ways to cook cabbage. It’s full of savory bacon flavor, and the texture maintains just enough of that cabbage crunch. Careful—it might steal the show from your main dish!
Is Fried Cabbage Healthy?
Cabbage is rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K; onions are full of minerals; and the few slices of bacon add some protein. The bacon, however, also results in a lot of fat, which is essential for frying the cabbage and onions, but it isn’t considered a healthy fat. The cabbage and onions will absorb a lot of the bacon fat during the cooking process. If you’re looking to cut down on the fat content, you can use low-fat turkey bacon or trim your pork bacon to ensure it’s as lean as it can be.
Cabbage Vs. Lettuce
Who hasn’t accidentally left the grocery store with a head of cabbage instead of lettuce? They look similar, so it’s a common mistake. Though alike in appearance, cabbage and lettuce are very different both in flavor and in nutrition. Cabbage is a member of the genus Brassica and comes in a variety of shapes and colors. The flavor of most common cabbage is bright and slightly astringent, which works well with the fatty flavor of the bacon.
Lettuce is a part of the Asteraceae family and is typically a shade of green, though there are plenty of other colors available. Unlike cabbage, lettuce doesn’t maintain any firmness during most cooking methods, so it’s usually eaten raw. Unlike cabbage, it’s known for its crisp and cool texture, which makes it a hit for salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Making fried cabbage ahead and storing it for later is perfect for when you want lunch for tomorrow or a seasoned side for supper! Store your fried cabbage in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Carefully reheat in a microwave when you’re ready to serve—if you heat it too long, you’ll end up with a pungent odor that might fill the room!
Serving Suggestions
Fried cabbage tastes great with other savory dishes! Plate up a side of fried cabbage next time you’re making burgers, like our Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns (or keep it veggie with Black Bean Power Burgers With Avocado Crema)! If you’re like me and love your cabbage with a side of chicken, you can’t go wrong with Air-Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders or these Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 head green cabbage cored and sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and some pieces are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Return the bacon to the skillet, stir to combine with the cabbage, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the bacon.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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