Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tanginess)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Cut the bacon into small chunks, which will allow it to crisp up evenly in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns crispy, stirring occasionally. This process takes about 5–7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Now, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon grease and onion mixture. If needed, add 2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes over the cabbage. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the cabbage reaches your desired level of tenderness. If you like it slightly crisp, cook for about 10 minutes; for a softer texture, cook for 15–20 minutes.
Step 6: Add Bacon and Finish the Dish
Once the cabbage is cooked to perfection, return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you like a bit of tanginess, drizzle 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar over the dish and stir well.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a minute. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish as a side or main course.