How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion

Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is a classic, hearty side dish that brings together savory bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting side or a delicious addition to any meal. The optional apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes add a tangy twist and a bit of heat if you like, but it’s delicious either way.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head cabbage, cored and sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy twist)
• Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove Bacon: Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Add Onion: In the same skillet with the remaining bacon drippings, add the chopped onion.
2. Cook Until Soft: Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cabbage

1. Add Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
2. Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Cook: Stir well to combine. Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. If desired, cover the skillet with a lid to help the cabbage cook more quickly and evenly.

4. Add Optional Ingredients

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: If using, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and stir to combine. This adds a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the caramelized onions and bacon.
2. Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the cabbage and stir well.

5. Combine and Serve

1. Return Bacon: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper if desired.
3. Serve: Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Crispy Bacon: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy to add a nice texture to the dish.
• Even Cooking: Stir the cabbage occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cabbage before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations

• Add Carrots: For added color and sweetness, toss in some sliced carrots along with the cabbage.
• Add Apple: For a touch of sweetness, add thinly sliced apples when cooking the cabbage.
• Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is a simple yet flavorful dish that makes a perfect side for a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried cabbage!