Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a delightful dish that offers a delicious combination of flavors, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. The crispy texture of the cabbage, enhanced by the savory notes of bacon and the sweetness of onions, creates a comforting meal that can shine as both a main course or a side dish. The ogre of the cabbage softens and caramelizes beautifully, while the bacon crisps up to perfection, making this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Table of Contents
I stumbled upon this recipe one chilly evening while searching for something comforting yet easy to prepare. I had a half a cabbage lingering in my fridge, and I wanted to do something more exciting than the typical coleslaw. Little did I know how satisfying it would be to transform simple ingredients into a warm, fulfilling dish that would quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s affordable and can be made in less than 40 minutes—all reasons to try this recipe for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Under 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying this dish in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and tender cabbage is downright addictive.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green cabbage and crispy bacon make a visually appealing side.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any meal—great alongside breakfast eggs or as a side at dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by ensuring the seasoning is compliant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon: Using thick-cut bacon gives a noticeable crispy texture that complements the softness of the cabbage beautifully.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Brings a lovely aromatic touch that enhances all the dish’s flavors.
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces (about 8 cups): The star of the dish; it softens and caramelizes for a savory bite.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning: Gives it a slight kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste: Essential for seasoning to elevate and balance all flavors.
How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Cook the bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, bake the 6 slices of thick-cut bacon over medium-high heat until they become crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the crispy bacon to a bowl, setting it aside for later use. Drain about half of the rendered bacon drippings from the pan, leaving the remainder for cooking the vegetables.
Sauté the onions: Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Cook them until they achieve a soft and translucent texture, which takes about 5 minutes. This step is essential; the onions will add sweetness that beautifully marries with the cabbage later.
Add garlic: Once the onions are soft, introduce the minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick process helps to release the garlic’s lovely aroma without burning it.
Combine with cabbage and seasoning: Next, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, along with the 1/2 tsp of Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let everything cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cabbage to wilt and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Finish with bacon: After the cabbage has cooked down to your desired tenderness, remove the lid and stir in the reserved bacon. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve the dish hot and fresh, allowing the flavors to shine through.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to make it last longer, consider freezing it in a safe freezer container for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Note that the texture might change slightly, but refreshing it by adding a bit of freshness, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, can help revive it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the cabbage; this ensures it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar right at the end of cooking.
- If you’d like more sweetness, try caramelizing the onions for a bit longer.
- Feel free to substitute the Cajun seasoning with your favorite spice blend—Italian seasoning works wonderfully too!
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, satisfying ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as part of a hearty meal or as a quick snack, this recipe invites you to savor every bite. It’s easy to make and budget-friendly, and encourages you to explore variations that fit your taste preferences.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is the classic choice, you can use red cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly with different cabbage types.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil or a smoky paprika to impart flavor. You might also consider adding mushrooms for an extra layer of depth.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you’re looking for a milder dish, feel free to reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer more warmth, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce at the end for a flavorful kick.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative by adding bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a flavorful dish that features tender cabbage and crispy bacon. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty comfort food option. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven, fry the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain half of the bacon drippings, retaining some for cooking.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- When the cabbage is tender, mix in the reserved bacon and add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve right away.
Notes
Thick-cut bacon adds more flavor and a satisfying texture to the dish.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
