Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss well so it gets coated with the bacon grease and onions.
5. Season: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Fry the cabbage: Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized. For softer cabbage, cook a few minutes longer.
7. Finish: Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar. Add the optional sugar if you prefer a slightly sweet-and-savory flavor. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top. Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a simple main meal.

⭐ Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this helps the cabbage brown instead of steam.
• For extra flavor, add sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa.
• If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.