Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually continue to mingle, making it just as tasty, if not more so, the next day.

Is it necessary to use bacon, or can I substitute?

Not at all! Butter offers a fantastic substitute for bacon, resulting in a rich, vegetarian-friendly dish. For more plant-based options, use olive oil and add smoked paprika for depth.

Does the cabbage need to be shredded finely?

You get to choose. Roughly chopped cabbage provides a more rustic texture, while finely shredded cabbage cooks more quickly and soaks up the flavors from the pan. Either way, it’s delicious.

How do I avoid soggy cabbage?

The key is to sauté the cabbage just until it’s tender with a hint of crunch left. Cook it over medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps it caramelize rather than steam.

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 thick cut bacon slices, diced; 1/3 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded or roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Description

This easy fried cabbage recipe combines savory bacon, sweet onions, and tender green cabbage sautéed together for a flavorful, comforting, and quick side dish. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes a delicious addition to any table.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bacon & Aromatics

6 thick cut bacon slices, diced
1/3 cup diced yellow onion

Cabbage Base

1/2 head green cabbage, shredded or roughly chopped

Seasonings

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large, heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spatula to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Do not discard the bacon grease as it will add flavor to your dish.
Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to turn translucent, about 5 minutes, letting it soak up the flavor.
Add the Cabbage and Seasonings: Add the chopped or shredded green cabbage to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the brown sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute it with the cabbage mixture. Serve the dish hot and enjoy.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2-3 tablespoons of salted butter to cook the onions and cabbage.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adjust seasonings to taste; you can add a dash of hot sauce for spice.
This recipe works well with both shredded or roughly chopped cabbage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 160 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 203mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 18mg