Name: Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces; 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning; salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste

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Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a dish that perfectly marries the crunchy satisfaction of cabbage with the smoky richness of bacon, all melded together with the savory notes of onions and garlic. This dish is not just simple fare; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together to delight your palate. Each bite bursts with texture – the cabbage becomes tender while still holding a slight bite, the bacon provides that irresistible crunch, and the onions lend both sweetness and depth. Best of all, this is a recipe you can whip up in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic side dish or even a satisfying main course.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

I first stumbled upon this delightful combination while searching for a way to use up a head of cabbage. Sometimes we have those moments where we stare into the fridge, hoping for inspiration. As I made my way through my pantry and fridge, the bacon practically called out to me. Not only is this dish a fantastic way to turn humble ingredients into something incredibly enjoyable, but it also offers an opportunity to relish the flavors of home cooking. I invite you to try making this Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions; I think it just may become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, it’s quick and stress-free.
Irresistible Flavor: Smoky bacon, sweet onions, and crunchy cabbage create a symphony of deliciousness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it hard to resist!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side at dinner or as a hearty snack whenever you’re craving something savory.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; try swapping bacon for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian take.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces: This will add a savory depth and crispiness that enhances the dish. Feel free to use regular bacon for a leaner option.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a rich flavor when sautéed. You could substitute with a shallot if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and flavor; fresh garlic is always best for the brightest taste.
1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces (about 8 cups): The star of the dish! This vegetable provides texture and health benefits, and you can replace it with napa cabbage for a slightly different flavor and texture.
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning: Brings an incredible spice; if you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce this amount.
Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste: Essential for adjusting the flavor to your preference—don’t be afraid to season generously!

How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the 6 slices of chopped thick-cut bacon over medium-high heat. Fry until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, placing it into a bowl, while retaining about half of the bacon drippings in the pan for the next steps.

Sauté the Onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped 1 medium yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. It should start smelling irresistible! Afterward, add the minced 3 cloves of garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, letting it become fragrant without burning.

Add the Cabbage: Toss in the chopped 1/2 large green cabbage, followed by the 1/2 tsp of Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to mix everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.

Finish and Serve: When the cabbage is tender and fragrant, remove the lid and fold in the crispy bacon. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an additional kick. Serve this gorgeous dish immediately to enjoy the full array of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

For leftovers, store your crispy cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, a quick 5-7 minutes in a skillet over medium heat will refresh the flavors, but keep in mind that the texture may soften a little upon reheating. Adding a dash of fresh seasoning can help brighten the flavors again!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to cut the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the cabbage to caramelize a little brings out its natural sweetness.
If you notice the dish getting too dry, you can add a splash of broth or water while it cooks.
For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
This dish makes for a delightful make-ahead option if you’re planning for a gathering—just warm it up before serving!

Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a beautifully rustic dish that showcases the innate flavors of its ingredients, allowing the comforting richness of bacon to shine while spotlighting the fresh brightness of cabbage. It’s incredibly satisfying and may just become a staple in your cooking routine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or add a splash of your favorite sauce to customize it to your taste!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of meat besides bacon?

Absolutely! You could opt for turkey bacon or even pancetta for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you could skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version by adding more spices or a smoked paprika for that savory depth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time! Simply cook the bacon and vegetables as instructed, then allow them to cool before storing them separately. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Feel free to toss in additional veggies like carrots or bell peppers to the mix for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed based on the vegetables you choose.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions works wonderfully as a side dish with roasted meats or fish, but it’s also hearty enough to serve as a main course. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or warm biscuits, making it a versatile addition to any meal!

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Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a flavor-packed dish that combines the crunch of cabbage with crispy bacon and savory onions. A simple yet satisfying option for a quick dinner or a healthy meal!

Ingredients

Scale

6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces
1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste

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Instructions

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, fry the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-8 minutes over medium-high heat. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl for later use. Drain about half of the drippings, leaving some in the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions. Cook until soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, along with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the cabbage is tender, remove the lid and stir in the bacon. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon for a richer taste.
Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats and can be served as a side or main dish.