Cabbage and Bacon
Our simple cabbage recipe can be made on the stovetop right next to your main dish. Using a Dutch Oven, our cabbage and bacon recipe with onions on the stove is cheap and can be made Southern style with a bit of spicy heat too if you like.
Fried cabbage with bacon and onions is one thing that has been served in our family for years. It originated from an Old Fashioned stewed cabbage dish our Grandmother made when her kids were little, like that long ago. She LOVED using these leaves for all sorts of dishes.
These two ingredients go so well together. Since the head itself has little flavor you want something to pack a punch to wilt and soften each bite + add a lot of YUM. Instead of Boiling Cabbage you are instead sauteeing in the butter, bacon grease and all these other flavors.
Cabbage and Bacon Fried
Ok so technically this is not fried, meaning you cook it in hot oil but rather you are “frying” it on the stove with lots of seasonings, soy sauce and broth so it softens nicely. This term is used often though with this dish, know it is technically not fried.
Ingredient notes
like when making our slow cooker cabbage recipe you can add seasonings and get it tender but with a bit more texture in a pan on the stovetop is better if you ask us. We mean each has it's place and time but for overall goodness we'd try this one.
You want to use quite a few slices of bacon diced, not drained because bacon fat means flavor y'all
Your head of cabbage should be green for the optimal texture, unless you want less then you could cut everything in half.
We like to add diced yellow or white Onions and garlic too if you'd like, minced if you want them to become quite soft.
You want to add salted Butter or olive oil for a dairy free option (but that will have a lot less flavor)
Vegetable broth or chicken stock works depending on what taste you're going for and Soy sauce gives it a umami flavor, rich. Use aminos for a gluten free option
What spices are best in fried cabbage and bacon?
As for seasonings we generally will add garlic salt We like better than salt and pepper for seasonings, and Old Bay is a must for us but you could use Lawry's instead Add some dry Sriracha or some red pepper flakes if you'd like a little heat or to make it spicy
If you have leftovers from your Italian sausage in oven from the other night dice that up and you don't need to saute, warm before adding everything else.
Swaps
Now you could make this more of a meal with heartier meat, like our Crockpot Cabbage and Sausageor more than one. Instead of or in addition to the bacon you could brown beef with it too like our unstuffed cabbage casserole recipe does. You could use leftover ham too after the holidays. It is easy to tweak to your liking for sure.
Tips for Cooking Cabbage on Stove
Below are instructions for this method over medium heat. We think using a seasoned Dutch Oven is best but a large pot with a tight lid would work. Like our Pigs in the Blanket with Cabbage filling we will add a bit more heat. Check often as some like a firmer texture which requires less cook time and others want it quite soft = longer.
Instant Pot Directions
Now if you want to make an entire meal with this same main ingredient you could. Grab 2, one to make this and another to dice and make Pressure Cooker Fried Cabbage as the main meal.
How do you cut cabbage for frying?
This is How to Cut Cabbage in a number of ways but in this case 1×1 squares is best in this case. You don't want the pieces to be too small or they will wilt too quickly and you want a bit of a “bite” to them so it's not soggy.
How do you cook cabbage without it getting mushy?
Keep a close eye on it. Remember that it doesn't take long for cabbage leaves to wilt and soften. Tenderness is subjective so check often as 1 minute too long may become mushy to your tastebuds. Stick with sauteeing and do not boil as that will get leaves quite soft.
Cabbage and Bacon Recipe
By Fried cabbage and bacon recipe with onions is the best vegetable side dish. Use ham if you'd rather in a Dutch Oven on the stovetop. Prep: 15 minutes minsCook: 10 minutes minsServings: 6 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage, cut into 1×1 inch squares
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 c broth, vegetable or chicken are best
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, if you want a bit of heat
Instructions
- Cut stem off of cabbage and discard, slice in half and then into 1×1 inch cubes. Add into pot and mix together. Set aside.
- We like using a Dutch Oven but you can use a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil. Add diced bacon and onions. Cook until bacon is a bit crispy and onions are softened.
- Add cubed cabbage. Cook together for 2-3 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth and all seasonings, stir together. Saute for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cover with a lid, turn heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes or until leaves are as soft as you'd like them to be. Serve immediately for best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
