Savory Skillet Cabbage

Fried Cabbage with crispy bacon is an incredibly simple, yet profoundly flavorful side dish that comes together with just a few core ingredients. It’s a versatile recipe that can be whipped up in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, or prepared up to two days in advance for effortless entertaining.

This savory cabbage dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Imagine serving it alongside hearty Pork Schnitzel, rich Mushroom Pork Chops, or classic, creamy Mashed Potatoes. It’s a complete, comforting meal that your entire family will absolutely adore.

Crispy Fried Cabbage with bacon in a large skillet, ready to be served.

While often associated with Irish cuisine and particularly popular around St. Patrick’s Day, Fried Cabbage with Bacon is far too delicious to be confined to just one holiday. Its robust flavors and ease of preparation make it a fantastic year-round staple. This dish shines as a quick, satisfying side, perfectly complementing a wide range of proteins such as pork, chicken, or various types of sausage. I even use a similar flavor profile in my popular Cabbage and Noodles recipe, highlighting just how adaptable and universally loved this combination can be.

The magic begins by rendering bacon to a perfect crispness, creating a foundational layer of smoky flavor. The rendered bacon fat then becomes the exquisite medium for frying tender onions and the main star, cabbage. This simple technique infuses every bite with incredible depth and savory notes. You can enjoy this versatile dish not only as a stand-alone side but also as a delicious topping for grilled sausages or brats, adding texture and a burst of flavor. It’s a cooking philosophy that extends to other recipes as well, much like the approach I take in my warming Cabbage Soup recipe.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. First and foremost, it’s incredibly **easy to make**, requiring minimal culinary skill and simple, readily available ingredients. You’ll appreciate its **speed**, coming together in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is a precious commodity. Despite its simplicity, the dish offers a remarkable depth of **flavor**, thanks to the smoky bacon and the rich, caramelized notes of the fried onion and cabbage. It’s also incredibly **versatile**, adapting effortlessly to various dietary preferences and main courses. Moreover, it’s a wonderfully **budget-friendly** option, making the most of humble ingredients to create something truly special. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a deliciously satisfying manner!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Cabbage

Crafting this flavorful side dish requires only a handful of common ingredients. Choosing fresh, quality produce and pantry staples will ensure the best possible taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Green Cabbage: The star of the show. Look for a firm, heavy head with crisp, bright green leaves. Avoid any with wilted or discolored outer leaves. Green cabbage fries up beautifully, developing a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is highly recommended as it renders more fat and provides a meatier texture once cooked. The bacon’s savory, smoky notes are crucial to the dish’s signature flavor profile.
Yellow Onion: A medium yellow onion, finely diced, provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed in the bacon grease, complementing the cabbage without overpowering it.
Soy Sauce: A touch of low-sodium soy sauce adds an unexpected umami boost and helps to season the cabbage, enhancing its natural flavors. Don’t be afraid of this addition; it doesn’t make the dish taste Asian but rather deepens the savory profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing out the best in all the ingredients. Always adjust these to your preference.

All ingredients for Fried Cabbage with Bacon displayed on a white cutting board.

Step-by-Step: How to Fry Cabbage to Perfection

Achieving perfectly fried cabbage is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious outcome every time:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon. Begin by dicing your bacon into small pieces. Place the chopped bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Set aside; these will be added back in later for maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion. Leave approximately 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. If you have significantly more, spoon out the excess for future use. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the hot bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.

Two step-by-step photos showing bacon frying and onions sautéing in a skillet for fried cabbage.

Step 3: Fry the Cabbage. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything well to combine, ensuring the cabbage is coated. Now, the cooking time depends on your preferred texture:
- For slightly crunchy, al dente cabbage, cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
- For softer, more tender cabbage, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, continuing to stir regularly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
The cabbage will reduce significantly in volume as it cooks down.
Step 4: Combine and Season. Once the cabbage has reached your desired tenderness, return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet. Stir everything together gently. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and serve immediately while hot.

Shredded cabbage frying in a large skillet with onions and bacon grease.

Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage

To elevate your fried cabbage from good to absolutely outstanding, consider these expert tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook the cabbage in two smaller batches. Overcrowding will steam the cabbage instead of frying it, resulting in a soggy texture rather than a beautifully caramelized one.
High-Quality Bacon: The flavor of your bacon heavily influences the final dish. Opt for a good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best smoky flavor and crispy bits.
Adjust Texture to Your Liking: As mentioned in the instructions, you have control over the cabbage’s texture. For a firmer bite, cook less. For melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, cook longer.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your cabbage before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and even soy sauce as needed. Remember that bacon and soy sauce already contribute saltiness.
Add Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add them to the skillet with the onions during the last minute of sautéing. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Preparation and Storage: Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This fried cabbage dish is remarkably convenient for meal prepping. It holds up beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. You can prepare this delicious side dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover fried cabbage should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For best quality, consume within this timeframe.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is simple and effective, whether you prefer the stovetop or microwave:

Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems too dry. This method helps maintain some of its texture.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. The texture might be slightly softer this way.

How to Properly Cut Cabbage for Frying

Properly preparing your cabbage is key to even cooking and a pleasant texture. Here’s a simple guide to cutting cabbage for frying:

Remove Outer Leaves: Start by peeling off any damaged, discolored, or dirty outer leaves from the head of cabbage. These are often tough and may carry dirt from the store shelf.
Halve and Core: Place the cabbage on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice the cabbage in half through the core. Then, on each half, locate the hard, triangular core at the bottom. Cut it out at an angle.
Quarter and Slice: Place each half cut-side down and slice it into quarters. Now, you can shred the cabbage.
Shredding Options:
- With a Knife: This is the most common method. Place a cabbage quarter cut-side down and thinly slice it across the head, creating uniform shreds. Aim for slices that are not too thin (which can become mushy) and not too thick (which can take too long to cook). About ¼ to ½ inch wide is ideal.
- Food Processor: If you have a food processor with a slicing or shredding disc, it can make quick work of a large head of cabbage. Be sure to follow your appliance’s instructions for safe use.
- Mandoline: For very uniform, thin shreds, a mandoline slicer can be used. Exercise extreme caution and always use the safety guard to protect your fingers.

Once shredded, you’ll have perfectly sized cabbage pieces ready for the skillet.

What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

This versatile side dish is a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of main courses. Its savory, slightly sweet, and smoky profile makes it a wonderful pairing for nearly any meat. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

Baked Pork Chops or Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Roasted Chicken or any grilled chicken preparation
Classic Pork Schnitzel for a German-inspired meal
Tender Pork Tenderloin
Smoked or Polish Sausage (kielbasa) – a natural, delicious pairing!
Beef Brisket or Pot Roast
Meatloaf or Hamburgers
Grilled Bratwurst or Hot Dogs
Turkey or other poultry dishes

Beyond main courses, it’s also excellent with other traditional sides like mashed potatoes, dumplings, or even a simple crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Creative Variations to Try

One of the best aspects of fried cabbage is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

With Sausage: For an even heartier meal, incorporate smoked sausage or kielbasa. Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces and cook it in the pan first until browned. Remove the sausage, then proceed with the bacon (or skip bacon and use sausage fat), onions, and cabbage. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the cabbage during the last few minutes of cooking.
With Potatoes: Transform this side into a more substantial dish by adding cooked potatoes. Dice cooked and cooled potatoes (boiled or roasted work best) into 1-inch pieces. Stir them into the skillet along with the cabbage and cook until everything is heated through and slightly browned. This makes for a truly comforting meal.
Red Cabbage: While green cabbage is traditional, don’t hesitate to use red cabbage, or a combination of both, for a beautiful color contrast and a slightly different flavor profile. Red cabbage tends to be a bit firmer and sweeter.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: To make this dish meat-free, simply omit the bacon. Instead, use olive oil or vegan butter to sauté the onions. To replicate the smoky flavor of bacon, add a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke (optional) during the onion sautéing stage.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the cabbage, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can add another dimension of flavor. Dill, caraway seeds, thyme, or a bay leaf (removed before serving) are excellent choices that complement cabbage well.
Sweet & Tangy: For a popular German-style take, after the cabbage has cooked, stir in a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup. This balances the richness with a delightful sweet-sour note.

A serving of delicious Fried Cabbage with Bacon in a white bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Explore

If you loved this simple and delicious fried cabbage, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other quick and flavorful side dish recipes:

Best Sautéed Spinach
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Corn Casserole
Simple Roasted Green Beans
Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Quick Sautéed Mushrooms

For even more inspiring ideas and delicious recipes, feel free to browse our comprehensive Side Dish Category.

If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your culinary masterpiece and leave a comment! Happy cooking!

Fried Cabbage in a skillet, close-up shot showing texture and ingredients.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Author:
Anna

Fried Cabbage with bacon is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, requiring just a few ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes, and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Perfect as a versatile side for pork chops, pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or various sausages.

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Total Time:
25 mins

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
Irish, American

Servings:
4 people

Calories:
126 kcal

Ingredients

5 cups shredded green cabbage (½ of a medium head)
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and has rendered its fat.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon bits from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Set aside. If there is more than 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease remaining in the pan, carefully spoon out the excess.
Add the diced yellow onion to the bacon grease in the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the shredded cabbage and low-sodium soy sauce to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Fry for 3-5 minutes for a slightly crunchy texture, or continue cooking for 8-10 minutes if you prefer softer, more tender cabbage. Stir often to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Once the cabbage has reached your desired tenderness, return the reserved crispy bacon bits to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate.
Season the fried cabbage with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and serve warm.

Notes

This versatile side dish is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific product brands and preparation methods. The provided information is an estimate. It is always recommended to use a calorie counter or nutritional analysis tool that you are familiar with for precise data.

Nutrition

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