Fried Cabbage Bacon Onion: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Fried Cabbage Bacon Onion, a humble dish, transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of savory flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to prepare? This is it. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Cabbage, often overlooked, takes center stage here, elevated by the smoky richness of bacon and the sweet, caramelized notes of onion. While its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, fried cabbage, often incorporating bacon or other cured meats, has been a staple in various cultures for generations, particularly in Eastern European and Southern American cuisines. It represents resourcefulness and the ability to create something truly delicious from simple, readily available ingredients. It’s a testament to how basic ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a culinary masterpiece.

People adore fried cabbage bacon onion for its incredible taste and satisfying texture. The cabbage softens and sweetens as it cooks, while the bacon adds a salty, smoky depth that is simply irresistible. The onions caramelize beautifully, lending a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a side dish, a main course, or even as a topping for your favorite sandwiches or burgers. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your perception of cabbage!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of green cabbage, about 2-3 pounds
• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or bacon fat reserved from cooking the bacon)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. First, let’s get the bacon ready. Dice the bacon into small pieces. I like to use thick-cut bacon for this recipe because it renders more fat and has a richer flavor, but any bacon will do.
2. Next, prepare the cabbage. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and slice each half into thin shreds. You can use a large knife or a mandoline for this. Just be careful with the mandoline! Aim for shreds that are about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Now, let’s prep the onion and garlic. Peel the onion and slice it thinly. I prefer thin slices because they cook down nicely and become almost caramelized. Mince the garlic. You can use a garlic press or just chop it finely with a knife.

Cooking the Bacon and Onions:

1. Place the diced bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. If you don’t have enough bacon fat, add olive oil to make up the difference.
3. Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions to start to caramelize a little, which will add a lot of flavor to the dish.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Cooking the Cabbage:

1. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine. The skillet will be very full at first, but the cabbage will cook down as it wilts.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), caraway seeds (if using), and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
4. Cover the skillet and cook the cabbage over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and slightly caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how thick the cabbage is shredded and how tender you like it.
5. If the cabbage starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as these will add flavor to the dish.
6. Continue to cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and slightly caramelized. You want the cabbage to be soft and slightly sweet, with a hint of tanginess from the apple cider vinegar.

Combining and Serving:

1. Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, stir in the crispy bacon.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
3. Serve the fried cabbage hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes. If adding carrots or potatoes, add them to the skillet along with the onions, as they will take longer to cook than the cabbage. Bell peppers can be added along with the cabbage.
• Use different types of vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Each type of vinegar will add a different flavor to the dish.
• Add a touch of heat: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the smoked paprika.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable oil instead. You can also add smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor. Consider adding some vegetarian sausage or smoked tofu for added protein and flavor.
• Add some sweetness: Some people like to add a touch of sweetness to fried cabbage. You can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to the skillet along with the apple cider vinegar.
• Use different types of cabbage: While green cabbage is the most common type of cabbage used in this dish, you can also use red cabbage or savoy cabbage. Red cabbage will add a beautiful color to the dish, while savoy cabbage has a milder flavor.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker. Brown the bacon and onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it ahead: Fried cabbage is a great dish to make ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with pork chops, sausages, or roast chicken.
• Serve as a topping for mashed potatoes or polenta.
• Serve as a filling for pierogies or dumplings.
• Serve as a base for a hearty soup or stew.
• Enjoy it as a simple and satisfying meal on its own.

This fried cabbage recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onions, and tangy apple cider vinegar is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to create. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a comforting and delicious element to their meals. The sweetness of the caramelized onions perfectly complements the smoky bacon and the slightly bitter cabbage, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cabbage softens beautifully while retaining a slight bite, the bacon crisps up to perfection, and the onions melt into a sweet, savory jam. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty steak. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast. Looking for some serving suggestions or variations? I’ve got you covered! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while cooking. If you’re not a fan of bacon (though I can’t imagine why!), you can substitute it with diced ham or even pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to give the cabbage a smoky flavor. You could also add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the dish and adds a touch of acidity. Another great addition is caraway seeds, which pair beautifully with cabbage. Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is also a fantastic way to use up leftover cabbage. So, if you have half a head of cabbage sitting in your fridge, don’t let it go to waste! This recipe is the perfect solution. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s also a great way to introduce picky eaters to cabbage, as the bacon and onions make it incredibly palatable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I’m sure you’ll find that this Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion becomes a regular part of your meal rotation. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] so I can see your creations. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes, so your feedback is invaluable. Happy cooking, and enjoy! I can’t wait to see what you create with this simple, yet incredibly flavorful, dish. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Print