Cabbage and bacon are a classic pairing that combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy bacon with the hearty, slightly sweet taste of cabbage. This dish is the perfect side to complement any meal, especially during the colder months when you’re craving something warm, filling, and satisfying. Whether served alongside roast meats or enjoyed on its own, Bacon-Fried Cabbage is an easy recipe to make, with minimal ingredients and simple steps. Below, we’ll take you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, customization tips, and the nutritional benefits of this flavorful dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients. The amounts provided are suitable for six servings:
- 6 slices of bacon: Adds a salty, savory flavor and crispy texture.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds): Provides the bulk of the dish with its mild flavor and tender-crisp texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor with its rich, aromatic notes.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): This adds a bit of extra richness, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: These seasonings help balance the dish’s flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat for those who like a little spice in their dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The following instructions will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Before you start cooking, prep all of your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. For the cabbage, remove the outer leaves, cut it in half, and then slice it into thin strips. This will ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly and has the right texture when fried.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips flat in the pan and cook until they are crispy, turning them occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the cabbage—it adds a lot of flavor!
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onions and cook over medium heat until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously to release the garlic’s aroma.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage Once the onions and garlic are cooked, it’s time to add the cabbage. Place the shredded cabbage into the skillet and stir to combine it with the onions and garlic. If the skillet is too crowded, you can add the cabbage in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding the next. This ensures that all of the cabbage cooks evenly.
Step 5: Fry the Cabbage Continue cooking the cabbage, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Some people prefer a softer texture, while others like their cabbage to retain some crunch. As the cabbage cooks, it will start to caramelize slightly, enhancing its natural sweetness. At this point, you can add the tablespoon of butter if you want a richer flavor.
Step 6: Season the Dish Once the cabbage has cooked down and is tender, season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat, this is the time to sprinkle them in. Be cautious with the salt, as the bacon can be quite salty.
Step 7: Add the Bacon Finally, crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the cabbage mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the bacon’s flavor permeates the cabbage. Once it’s all combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Your bacon-fried cabbage is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or beef, or you can serve it as a main dish with a slice of bread for a simple and hearty meal.
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for how you can customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: If you’d prefer a meatless version of this dish, you can replace the bacon with vegetarian bacon or simply omit it altogether. To maintain the smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add Vegetables: You can bulk up this dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. These can be sautéed with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.
- Spices and Herbs: While this recipe is simple, you can experiment with different spices and herbs. A touch of cumin or smoked paprika can give the dish a unique twist, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a bright, fresh flavor.
- Cheesy Finish: For an indulgent touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese like sharp cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving. This will add a layer of creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and cabbage.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves six people, and the nutritional information per serving is as follows:
- Calories: 72
- Total Fat: 2g (2% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 0g (2% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 4mg (1% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 260mg (11% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g (8% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 84% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 8% of Daily Value
- Potassium: 442mg (9% Daily Value)
As you can see, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal. The bacon provides protein and fat, while the dish remains relatively low in calories.
Conclusion
Bacon-Fried Cabbage is a fantastic dish for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and hearty side to add to their meals. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Its smoky, savory flavor, combined with the natural sweetness of cabbage, makes it an excellent complement to any main dish.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern cuisine or simply looking for a way to enjoy more vegetables, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences, making it a great addition to any cook’s repertoire.
Enjoy this comforting, satisfying dish, and feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own!