A simple, hearty side dish made with tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and savory onions. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and comes together in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, optional
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss well so it becomes coated with the bacon drippings.
- Season: Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Fry the cabbage: Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and develops golden-brown edges. For softer cabbage, cover the skillet for a few minutes during cooking.
- Finish: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar, if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot as a side dish with chicken, pork, steak, or roasted meats.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
