Fried cabbage with bacon and onion recipe

 This simple, one-pan dish transforms humble cabbage into a deeply flavorful and comforting side. The combination of crispy  bacon,  sweet onion, and savory sautéed cabbage is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with anything from roast chicken to  grilled sausages.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6 as a side

Ingredients

• 4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 6 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  

  Instructions

  1. Cook the  Bacon:

  • In a large skillet or Dutch  oven, cook the diced  bacon over medium heat until crispy.

  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

  2. Sauté the Aromatics:

  • Add the butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and heat over medium-high until melted.

  • Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Cook the Cabbage:

  • Add all of the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly.

  • Season with the salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the cabbage in the butter and bacon fat.
    

    4. Simmer and Caramelize:

    • Cook, stirring every few minutes, for about 10-15 minutes. The cabbage is done when it has wilted, become tender, and developed some golden-brown, caramelized spots.

    • Stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the skillet and heat through.

    5. Serve:

    • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

    Chef’s Notes & Tips

    • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

    • Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

    • Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

    • Deglaze (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth when the cabbage is nearly done, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.