Southern Fried Cabbage

Get a taste of Southern comfort food with this delicious Southern Fried Cabbage recipe! Made with bacon, onion, garlic and tender cabbage, it is perfect as a low-carb side dish or main. Simple, flavorful, and ready in no time.

Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage and onions with crispy bacon is a family favorite - tender, seasoned, and oh-so-delicious! This quick and easy one-pot recipe is perfect year-round, and best of all, it's affordable and reheats perfectly in the microwave. But be warned, it's addictive!

👩🏼‍🍳 Tips

Cabbage, just like Brussels sprouts, has natural sugars that caramelize when cooked at high temperatures. To make yummy pan-fried cabbage with crispy bits, follow these tips:

• Cut the cabbage thinly by removing the core and slicing it thinly.
• Use a large skillet to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Cook the bacon first and use the drippings to sauté the onions and garlic for added flavor.
• Avoid stirring too often to give the cabbage time to brown and crisp.
• Season well with your favorite spices for extra flavor.

How to Fry Cabbage

• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate using a slotted spoon, but leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.

• Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet with the bacon grease until caramelized, which takes around 6-8 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the cabbage and cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. To add flavor to the dish, season it with bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and either Creole or Cajun seasoning.
• Mix in the cooked bacon and warm the dish through.

Recipe Variations

• Fried Cabbage with Sausage: Sauté smoked sausage slices with bacon for an added flavor boost.
• Fried Cabbage and Potatoes: Add ½-inch cubed potatoes to the pan with onions for a heartier dish.
• Vegetarian Fried Cabbage: Skip the bacon and use butter or extra oil for a vegetarian version.
• Parmesan Fried Cabbage: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of finished dish.
• Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon: Use thick-cut turkey bacon and add a little extra oil or butter as it produces less drippings than regular bacon.

🥣 Leftover Ideas

Don't let leftover fried cabbage go to waste - you can use it to make delicious and satisfying meals!

• Make a breakfast hash by reheating the cabbage in a skillet and adding diced potatoes and breakfast sausage. Top with fried eggs.
• Use as a filling for egg rolls or spring rolls.
• Add it to a stir-fry with your favorite protein and veggies.
• Mix the cabbage with cooked rice and your choice of protein for a quick and easy fried rice dish.
• Use it as a topping for loaded baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Make a quesadilla by layering the cabbage with cheese between two tortillas and cooking in a skillet until crispy.
• Add the cabbage to a salad for a flavorful and crunchy topping.
• Use as a base for a Buddha bowl, adding your choice of protein, veggies, and a flavorful sauce.
• Make a sandwich by piling the cabbage on bread with your choice of meat or vegetarian protein and condiments.
• Use as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

🗄 Storage

Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of oil or butter. Do not freeze fried cabbage as it will become mushy and lose its texture.

♨️ Reheating

• Microwave method: Place the leftover cabbage in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
• Stovetop method: Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the cabbage from drying out. Avoid reheating fried cabbage in the oven as it may become too dry and lose its texture.

Love Cabbage? Try These!!!

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Imitation Crab and Cabbage Salad

Cabbage and Cucumber Salad

If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

Print

All rights reserved. CHEF JAR. All images and content are copyright protected. PLEASE do not use my images without my permission. If you want to share this recipe, PLEASE provide a link back to this post.