Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard); ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

Easy Fried Cabbage is a comforting side dish that combines crispy bacon with tender, flavorful cabbage. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for adding a savory touch to any meal.

A close-up view of a silver pan filled with cooked cabbage and pieces of browned bacon. The cabbage is cut into medium-large, uneven chunks with soft, pale green, and white layers, some edges slightly browned from cooking. The bacon pieces are small, deep reddish-brown with a crispy texture, scattered evenly throughout the cabbage. A silver slotted spoon rests inside the pan, partially covered with bits of the cabbage mixture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth to the side, and in the upper right corner, there is a white plate with two forks on it. The lighting is bright, showing the textures and colors clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the sliced bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to combine evenly.
Step 4: Add the sliced cabbage on top of the seasonings. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté everything together for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cabbage is buttery soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Return the crispy bacon to the pan, toss well to combine, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion.
Swap the stone ground mustard for Dijon for a smoother flavor.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the dish.
Use green or savoy cabbage as alternatives for different textures.

Storage

Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the cabbage from becoming too watery.

How to Serve

A large pan filled with cooked chopped cabbage mixed with small pieces of browned bacon and cooked onion bits. The cabbage is soft with slight golden and greenish-white shades, showing a tender, cooked texture. The bacon pieces are dark brown with a crisp look scattered evenly throughout. There is a metal slotted spoon resting on the right side inside the pan, partially covered with cooked bits. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white plate holding two forks. The scene is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and cabbage. Adding smoked paprika helps retain a smoky flavor.

Is there a best type of cabbage for frying?

Green cabbage works well due to its mild flavor and sturdy leaves, but savoy or red cabbage can also be used for a variation in texture and color.