Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is one of those dishes that perfectly balances comfort and satisfaction. The sweet, savory aroma of bacon wafting through the kitchen is hard to resist! It’s the kind of dish that not only turns heads at dinner parties but also feels right at home alongside a simple weeknight meal. With a bit of crunchy cabbage, crispy bacon, and tender onions, this dish proves that vegetables can truly shine as the star of your table.
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The first time I made this dish, I was blown away by how such humble ingredients could transform into something so delicious. It’s a culinary hug on a plate! Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to impress your friends or a comforting main course to fill your belly, you are in for a treat. Plus, it cooks up in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for busy evenings. Trust me, once you try making your own Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions, you’ll be hooked and eager to share this recipe with everyone you know.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish takes just about 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory bacon with the sweetness of sautéed onions and cabbage creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green cabbage mixed with crispy, golden bacon is as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it as a side or a main dish; it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even breakfast!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, just ensure you’re using gluten-free bacon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped into small pieces: The heart of this dish and what adds rich, smoky flavor. If you prefer, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: It provides sweetness and depth to the dish. White or red onions could also work in a pinch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic can be a quick alternative.
- 1/2 large green cabbage, chopped into square pieces (about 8 cups): This is the main veggie. Green cabbage holds up well to cooking, but you can substitute with Napa cabbage for a lighter taste.
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning: This adds a gentle kick; however, you can omit it or use less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the dish’s flavors, adjusting these to your preference is key.
How to Make Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Fry the bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, fry the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for about 5-8 minutes, or until it’s crispy and golden brown. When the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Drain about half of the bacon drippings, but keep enough for flavor.
Cook the onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté until they become soft and translucent, which should take about five minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. When the onions are fragrant and tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add the cabbage: Here’s where the magic happens! Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so that the cabbage is coated in the bacon fat and seasonings. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to cook down for 10-15 minutes. Remember to stir it occasionally, ensuring it cooks evenly. The cabbage should become tender and slightly wilted.
Combine and serve: After the cabbage has cooked to your liking, uncover the pan and stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you desire an extra kick. The combination of flavors and textures should inspire excitement! Serve immediately for the best taste.
Storing & Reheating
To store your crispy pan-fried cabbage, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s best refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cabbage in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, though keep in mind the texture might soften slightly after freezing. Refresh the taste with a little sprinkle of salt and pepper to kick it back into gear!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your bacon is nice and crispy to avoid a soggy texture in the final dish. Drain excess fat, but keep enough for flavor.
- Chop the cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and tenderness in each piece.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning and pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also mix in some Louisiana hot sauce for an extra zing!
- If you have leftovers, enjoy them in breakfast scrambles or as a topping for baked potatoes.
- For a bit of color and crunch, consider adding some grated carrots or red cabbage to the mix.
Crispy Pan-Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is not just another side dish; it’s a delightful celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With its tantalizing aroma and hearty satisfaction, I guarantee this dish will quickly find a regular spot on your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage works best due to its sturdy nature when cooking, you can also use Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just remember that they may cook faster than green cabbage, so keep an eye on them!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also enjoy it as a stand-alone vegetarian dish alongside crusty bread or over rice.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead. You can also add in mushrooms to provide a savory umami flavor that complements the cabbage well.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the bacon and vegetables ahead of time. Cook the bacon and store it separately, and chop the cabbage and onion in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté them together and add in the bacon. This will simplify your cooking process on busy days!
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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: Main Dishes
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Description
This crispy pan-fried cabbage with bacon & onions combines rich flavors with simple preparation. It’s an easy and satisfying dish that makes for a great quick dinner or a comforting side dish. Perfect for those seeking hearty, homemade recipes!
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 (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook until they are soft and translucent, around five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage along with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well, then cover the pan, reducing heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After the cabbage is tender, remove the lid and stir in the reserved bacon. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired before serving.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
Thick-cut bacon adds extra flavor and texture, but feel free to use your favorite type.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 345mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
