The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

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ThisFried Cabbagerecipe is insanely good! Made with bacon, onion, bell pepper, and a touch of hot sauce, this is one of those great recipes to make because it's simple and comes out perfect every time!

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

This is one of my favorite recipes ever! You just HAVE to try this Fried Cabbage, friends! All of the flavors work so well together, and the best part is that this dish requires minimum ingredients, and minimum cleanup, and brings maximum flavor. It's a great main dish but can serve as the perfect side dish as well.

Video Tutorial

Why This is the Best Fried Cabbage Recipe

This Fried Cabbage recipe is going to become your favorite, because:

  • IT'S SIMPLE.It's made with 4 ingredients (plus seasonings).
  • IT'S EASY TO MAKE.You'll just need to roughly chop the veggies and bacon, and cook them together.
  • IT'S MADE WITH BACON.Crispy bacon adds a ton of flavor, and makes everything better!
  • IT'S ONE POT.Almost no clean-up is required.
  • IT'S ABSOLUTELY SCRUMPTIOUS.I just can't say enough about how tasty this Fried Cabbage is.

How to Select Cabbage

For this recipe, you'll need the regular green cabbage that is sold in almost every grocery store or supermarket. Select a medium-sizedhead that feels heavy for its size. The leaves should lookcrisp and fresh, without cracks or blemishes.

Here is some more info:How to Select and Store Cabbage

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How to Make Fried Cabbage

1.In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the bacon, bell pepper, and onion over medium heat for 7 minutes.

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2. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir well.

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3. Add the water and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water evaporates.*

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4. Once the water evaporates, keep frying the cabbage for about 10 minutes.

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5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce. Serve.

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* Some cabbage varieties cook faster than others. Adjust the cooking time, if necessary. If needed, add a little bit more water.

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What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

This dish is wonderful on its own, but it will pair well with grains, potatoes, meats, and breads.

  • Grains.Serve this cabbage dish with quinoa, bulgur, sorghum, or rice.
  • Potatoes.This is delicious with scalloped potatoes, baby potatoes, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes.
  • Meats.Try this fried cabbage alongside pork chops, corned beef, roast chicken, or just some slices of bacon.
  • Breads.Enjoy this easy fried cabbage recipe with crusty bread with a bit of butter and some kosher salt, or some skillet cornbread.

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the bacon.Use smoked sausage or chicken sausage instead of regular bacon or bacon pieces.
  • Add sauces/toppings.Try this recipe with some BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Substitute the cabbage.You can also make this easy recipe with red cabbage, or savoy cabbage. Any head of cabbage that you like will work, just adjust the cooking time.
  • Skillet cook it. Make this simple side in a large skillet, cast iron skillet, or large frying pan to give it great flavor and texture.
  • Add some flavor enhancers.You can also make this easy side dish with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili pepper flakes. Even some bacon drippings or bacon grease with some yellow onion would add fantastic flavor.

About the Bacon

You can use any type of bacon you prefer - regular, turkey, or even vegan bacon. Just remember that turkey bacon and vegan bacon are not oily enough, so you'll need to add additional oil or butter.

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Please take a moment to leave your feedback, once you try this dish. I am so thrilled to hear how you enjoyed it! Thanks for sticking with me! You can find printable recipe and nutrition information in the recipe card below.

You'll love these cabbage recipes also:

  • Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken
  • Cabbage Lasagna
  • Cabbage with Ribs
  • Skinny Cabbage Salad
  • Sauteed Cabbage Recipe
  • Easy Baked Cabbage

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (10)

The Best Fried Cabbage

Tania Sheff

This Fried Cabbage recipe is insanely good! Made with bacon, onion, bell pepper, and a touch of hot sauce, it is easy to make, simple, and comes out perfect every time!

4.58 from 125 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 148 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pork bacon strips thick-cut
  • 1 medium cabbage head about 3 lbs., roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • cup water
  • ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp. hot sauce
  • ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the bacon, bell pepper, and onion over medium heat for 7 minutes.

    3 pork bacon strips, 1 medium onion, 1 medium red bell pepper

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  • Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir well.

    ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper

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  • Add the water and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water evaporates.*

    ⅓ cup water, 1 medium cabbage head

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  • Once the water evaporates, keep frying the cabbage for about 10 minutes.

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  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce. Serve.

    1 tbsp. hot sauce

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Notes

* Some cabbage varieties cook faster than others. Adjust the cooking time, if necessary. If needed, add a little bit more water.

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the bacon.Use smoked sausage or chicken sausage instead of regular bacon or bacon pieces.
  • Add sauces/toppings.Try this recipe with some BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Substitute the cabbage.You can also make this easy recipe with red cabbage, or savoy cabbage. Any head of cabbage that you like will work, just adjust cook time.
  • Skillet cook it. Make this simple side in a large skillet, cast iron skillet, or large frying pan to give it great flavor and texture.
  • Add some flavor enhancers.You can also make this easy side dish with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili pepper flakes. Even some bacon drippings or bacon grease with some yellow onion would add fantastic flavor.

About the Bacon

You can use any type of bacon you prefer - regular, turkey or even vegan. Just remember that turkey bacon and vegan bacon are not oily enough, so you'll need to add additional oil or butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 505mgPotassium: 549mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1442IUVitamin C: 126mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below, I can't wait to hear from you!

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

What happens to the flavor of cabbage when it is cooked? ›

As it approaches the boiling point, the enzymes will be inactivated, so no more pungent, bitter compounds will form. Cook only until the cabbage is tender, but no longer. The hot water will leach a lot of the unwanted compounds from the cabbage, making it taste milder than either stir-frying or steaming.

What is the season for cabbage? ›

All cabbages have a long growing season and should be sowed as early as April or May. The average growing time is 32 to 40 weeks so the harvesting season starts in December and ends around February. Some varieties may also be available earlier on in the fall from October onwards.

How long should you boil cabbage before it's done? ›

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Why is my fried cabbage bitter? ›

When plant cells are broken, the oils are separated from the sugar molecules by an enzyme and released as a very bitter compound. It's a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers.

Can you cook cabbage too long? ›

Boiled cabbage is notoriously smelly and steaming is often thought of as a less aromatic way to cook the vegetable. However, the pungent smell is actually the result of overcooking. Boil it just until tender, and you won't have a stinky kitchen.

Can cabbage lower blood pressure? ›

The antioxidants in cabbage help reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease. Cabbage also contains something called anthocyanins. Several studies have found these compounds can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Which month is best for cabbage? ›

Sowing outdoors

You can sow cabbage seeds outdoors from late winter to late summer – timings depend on the type of cabbage: Late February–early May for summer cabbages (protect early sowings with cloches or fleece) April–May for autumn and winter cabbages. July–August for spring cabbages.

What is the best fertilizer for cabbage? ›

Apply ½ cup per 10 feet of row of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) 4 weeks after transplanting or thinning to encourage plant growth. Avoid applying additional nitrogen after heads begin to form. High nitrogen levels at this time cause loose heads and splitting to occur.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

How do you cook cabbage without it getting mushy? ›

Insert a steamer basket inside a saucepan. Add enough water to the pan so the water level is just below the bottom of the basket. Bring water to a boil, then add cabbage wedges to the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cabbage is crisp-tender.

How to cut napa cabbage for stir fry? ›

Dice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for stir-frys.

Cut the quartered cabbage into wide strips. Turn your knife and cut across the strips to break them down into pieces that are small enough to eat in one bite. The smaller the pieces of cabbage, the less time it will take for them to cook through.

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