A hearty and savory side dish is fried cabbage. To create an enticing blend of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, cabbage is sautéed until buttery tender before being combined with bacon, stone-ground mustard, and smoked paprika.
I should warn you that this dish is really addicting. A variation on my recipe for sautéed cabbage is, fried cabbage is 10 times better (in my opinion) because of the crispy bacon, flavorful mustard, and a touch of smoked paprika!
One of the most popular Southern dishes is fried cabbage and for good reason. One impressive side dish is made with a few inexpensive, straightforward components. Pair it with any comfort food main dish, such as my creamy Cajun chicken. Also, it's a great addition to any menu for St. Patrick's Day, when cabbage foods are the stars!
FRIED CABBAGE INGREDIENTS
Using just a few basic grocery components, this recipe has an incredible amount of flavor.
- You can use any color of cabbage, but I almost always use green.
- Bacon: A few pieces of bacon enhance the flavor of everything.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic are all you need to add a tasty scent.
- For a robust flavor, I'm seasoning with stone ground mustard, but Dijon mustard is also OK. A touch of smoked paprika then gives it a little kick!
HOW TO MAKE FRIED CABBAGE
It just takes a little over 30 minutes to prepare this bacon and fried cabbage. This is how to do it:
Prepare the bacon. The bacon should be cooked in a sizable skillet over medium heat until it is ideally crisp, then it should be removed with a slotted spoon and left aside. Leave about two tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
Cook onion. In the bacon fat, add the onion and cook for two to three minutes.
the desirable elements. Give it a good swirl after adding the garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
The cabbage is inserted. Along with everything else, sauté the sliced cabbage. The cabbage should be cooked for 12 to 15 minutes until it caramelizes. then add the leftover bacon bits!
FRIED CABBAGE VARIATIONS
- Use Cajun seasoning or chili powder for a slightly different spiciness to change up the spices.
- Add a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of coconut sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Add some meat; you are welcome to include any smoked sausage. Cut it into pieces by dicing or slicing.
WHAT TO EAT WITH SOUTHERN FRIED CABBAGE
Fried cabbage is so excellent that I've been known to eat it all by itself (and more than one serving). Yet when combined with a hearty protein, it tastes even better. Here are a few possibilities.
- Meat: crispy baked chicken thighs, cilantro lime chicken, or slow cooker pulled pork.
- Fish: garlic grilled shrimp skewers, Dijon baked salmon or baked cod
STORAGE TIPS
These are excellent options for food preparation, just like the majority of sautéed or roasted veggies. Simple preparation on a Sunday followed by container storage.
- Frozen fried cabbage can be kept for up to 5 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or quickly sauté it in a pan.
MORE EASY SIDE DISHES
For quick and simple dinners, you can never have too many side dish options available. Try the ones listed below! If you enjoy cabbage, don't overlook my classic coleslaw and vinegar coleslaw recipes.
- Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Green Beans With Shallots and Lemons
- Garlic Ginger Bok Choy
- Honey Glazed Carrots
EASY FRIED CABBAGE
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
- Heat a large pan on medium heat and add the sliced bacon. Cook until crispy, then removed to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove some bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the onion and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it's translucent.
- Add the garlic, mustard, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and give it a stir to combine.
- Place the sliced cabbage on top and use a large spoon or tongs to stir and saute together for another 12 to 15 minutes. When the cabbage is done it should be buttery soft and slightly caramelized.
- Toss the bacon back in, and stir it all together before serving.
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