Description
This Fried Cabbage Recipe is rich with bacon, onion, garlic, and buttery flavor—an easy, Southern-inspired side or main dish.
Ingredients
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1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
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1 small onion, diced or thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon salt or seasoned salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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2 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
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Cook the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon grease in the pan.
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Add the onion to the bacon grease and sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat in the bacon grease and aromatics. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and begins to caramelize.
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Sprinkle in brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until flavors meld and cabbage is tender.
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Stir in the butter and cooked bacon, tossing gently until butter melts and bacon is evenly distributed.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Thick-cut bacon provides more meaty texture and renders plenty of flavorful grease—don’t skip it.
Slice cabbage into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking and texture.
Sauté onions low and slow for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor base.