Fried cabbage is simply that—cabbage that’s been sautéed in a hot pan, often with a bit of fat and some seasonings. Its roots can be traced back to various cultures that have long appreciated cabbage as a staple food.
It’s prevalent in Southern cooking, particularly when paired with smoked meats and savory additions.
The beautiful aspect of fried cabbage is that it allows for creativity. You can add elements like bacon for smokiness, onions for sweetness, or even spices to kick things up a notch. The result is a dish that’s resilient, tasty, and incredibly satisfying.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Fried Cabbage?
You might find countless fried cabbage recipes online. However, this particular rendition stands out thanks to the interplay of ingredients that elevate flavor.
By incorporating smoked bacon and apple cider vinegar, we’re not just frying cabbage; we’re creating a dish with a depth that is often missing in simpler recipes.
In my experience, using bacon gives the dish a rich, smoky flavor, while the vinegar adds a tang that cuts through the richness. This balance is what sets this recipe apart.
Plus, we’ll incorporate dried thyme and smoked sweet paprika, adding layers of flavor that will be genuinely memorable.
How Does It Taste?
Prepare yourself for a flavorful journey! The fried cabbage is savory with a slight sweetness, courtesy of the caramelization that occurs when cooking.
The crispy bacon introduces a salty crunch that complements the tender cabbage beautifully. Every bite is a delightful medley of flavors that come together seamlessly.
You may also discover hints of smokiness from the paprika and a freshness from the thyme, making this dish a lovely symphony for your palate.
When combined with the tang from the apple cider vinegar, the dish truly comes alive, inviting you to savor the contrasts of taste and texture.
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Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Before diving into the preparation, let’s review the necessary ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:
- 6 strips of smoked bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 small yellow shallot
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 medium (2- to 3-pound) head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
These ingredients work in harmony, each playing a role in achieving a dish that is nothing short of fantastic.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a moment to chop your cabbage, dice the shallot, and slice the bacon. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced bacon until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the skillet, but leave the rendered fat. This will flavor the cabbage beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots to the bacon fat. Let them soften for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become translucent.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Now, toss in your chopped cabbage! Mix well to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat and shallots. Cook it for about 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat. Stir enough to prevent sticking but allow some pieces to brown and caramelize.
Step 5: Season
Once the cabbage is tender but still has some crunch, add the granulated garlic, black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine everything and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage. Stir again, allowing everything to meld together for another couple of minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve. You can enjoy it hot, or at room temperature. Either way, you’ll be treating yourself to a delicious side that packs a punch!
Tips & Tricks On Making Fried Cabbage
Here are some bonus tips to make your fried cabbage even better:
- Use Bacon Grease for Flavor: Don’t rush to drain the fat! Using bacon grease enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of cabbage, cook it in batches. This ensures even cooking and avoids steaming.
- Adjust Seasoning to Fit Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste as you cook! Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to modify spices according to your liking.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes for Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Nutrition Information
Fried Cabbage Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Do I Store This Dish?
If you have leftovers (which you’ll be grateful for!), allow the cabbage to cool before transferring it into an airtight container.
It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Fried Cabbage?
Exploring alternatives can make the dish even more exciting! Here are some options:
- Turkey Bacon: A leaner choice that still delivers flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: If you want to skip the meat, use vegetable oil for a vegetarian version.
- Savoy Cabbage: This adds a different texture and flavor profile.
- Brussels Sprouts: Thinly slice them; they’ll offer a unique twist.
- Kale: A nutritious leafy green that adds a different depth altogether.
Each of these substitutes can bring its unique flair to fried cabbage. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Conclusion
Fried cabbage is more than just a simple vegetable dish; it’s an invitation to create, taste, and enjoy. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can transform this humble food into something delightful.
It pairs well with various proteins and can adapt to numerous flavors, making it versatile for any meal. Whether you want to whip it up for dinner or enjoy leftovers the next day, it’s sure to please.
Writing this recipe made me remember those family gatherings where fried cabbage was a must. The stories shared over plates of this delectable dish forge connections and bring people to the table.
So, the next time you’re planning a meal, consider frying up some cabbage. Who knows? It might just become the new favorite at your gatherings!
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Fried Cabbage Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals
Description
Growing up, cabbage was often seen as the underdog of vegetables—an ingredient not given much love. Yet, fried cabbage changed my perception entirely. There’s something magical about transforming that seemingly humble vegetable into a dish bursting with flavor.
You’ll find that with a few simple steps, you can create a meal that both nourishes and delights.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
-
Before you start cooking, take a moment to chop your cabbage, dice the shallot, and slice the bacon. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced bacon until it's crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the skillet, but leave the rendered fat. This will flavor the cabbage beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots
-
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots to the bacon fat. Let them soften for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become translucent.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
-
Now, toss in your chopped cabbage! Mix well to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat and shallots. Cook it for about 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat. Stir enough to prevent sticking but allow some pieces to brown and caramelize.
Step 5: Season
-
Once the cabbage is tender but still has some crunch, add the granulated garlic, black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine everything and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
-
Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage. Stir again, allowing everything to meld together for another couple of minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
-
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve. You can enjoy it hot, or at room temperature. Either way, you’ll be treating yourself to a delicious side that packs a punch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 171kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.4g24%
- Sodium 338mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Here are some bonus tips to make your fried cabbage even better:
- Use Bacon Grease for Flavor: Don’t rush to drain the fat! Using bacon grease enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of cabbage, cook it in batches. This ensures even cooking and avoids steaming.
- Adjust Seasoning to Fit Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste as you cook! Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to modify spices according to your liking.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes for Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing.
Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
