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Southern Fried Cabbage

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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

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!

Fried cabbage

👩🏼‍🍳 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.
Fried cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cabbage should I use for Southern fried cabbage?

You can use any variety of cabbage, such as green cabbage, savoy cabbage, or Napa cabbage.

Can I make Southern fried cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you can make fried cabbage ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make fried cabbage without bacon?

Yes, you can make vegetarian fried cabbage by using butter or additional oil instead of bacon drippings.

Can I add other vegetables to fried cabbage?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, or potatoes to fried cabbage for added flavor and nutrition.

Is fried cabbage healthy?

Cabbage is a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable, and fried cabbage can be a healthy side dish when prepared with minimal oil and seasonings. However, adding bacon or excessive amounts of oil can increase the calorie and fat content.

🗄 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

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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!

Fried cabbage
Print Recipe

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern fried cabbage is such an underrated dish! It is incredibly delicious, low carb and keto. Once your family try it, they will ask you to make it again.
Author: Chefjar
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 68kcal

Ingredients

  • 7-8 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large head green cabbage cored and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns crispy. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, but keep the bacon drippings in the skillet.
  • In the same skillet, sauté some chopped onion in the bacon grease until it caramelizes, about 6-8 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the cabbage and cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. To add some flavor to the dish, season it with bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and either Creole or Cajun seasoning.
  • Mix the cooked bacon into the cabbage and warm it through.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Storage:

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it 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 the cabbage 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.14g | Protein: 7.93g | Fat: 2.46g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 20mg | Fiber: 1.3g
Course: Cabbage recipes
Cuisine: International
Keyword: cabbage recipes, fried cabbage

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.

Fried cabbage

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About Tatiana

Hi, I’m Tatiana! I’m all about making easy, delicious family meals that bring everyone to the table. From quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics, my recipes are simple, flavorful, and made with love. Read more

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sidney says

    April 11, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    This is a very creative recipe with cabbage, honestly I have tried cabbage only in salads or vaporized but I though it was very boring. However this receipe looks good and it's changing my mind .. I think I'll try it.

    Reply
  2. Zhang Chi says

    April 12, 2020 at 12:06 am

    4 stars
    I love veggies but I haven't tried this out yet. Thanks for adding to my menu! Yummy 😋😋

    Reply
  3. Landa says

    April 12, 2020 at 1:46 am

    Yes, I believe this dish is highly underrated because even though it is is incredibly delicious, low carb and keto people don't like preparing it. I know I have come across it severally but never prepare it.

    Reply
  4. Wilson Jake says

    April 12, 2020 at 6:13 am

    4 stars
    Really looks colourful, will make you fall in love with this vegetable. I am dying to have a taste, sure won't be disappointed.

    Reply
  5. peace says

    April 12, 2020 at 6:57 am

    I know I only used to stir fry my cabbage and other veggie and not this way. This looks perfect. will like to try this one too.thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  6. Oyeyipo Oladele says

    April 12, 2020 at 7:43 am

    5 stars
    Whaooo, this is amazing. I never knew one can also fry cabbage. Thanks for teaching is this.

    Reply
  7. Janine Bocateja says

    April 12, 2020 at 9:52 am

    5 stars
    I super duper love cabbage! Earlier ths morning I cooked fried sardines with carrots, potatoes ang cabbage. Must a try! I will also share my recipe.

    Reply

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