The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

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ThisFried Cabbagerecipe is insanely good! Made with bacon, onion, bell pepper, and a touch of hot sauce, this is one of those great recipes to make because it's simple and comes out perfect every time!

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

This is one of my favorite recipes ever! You just HAVE to try this Fried Cabbage, friends! All of the flavors work so well together, and the best part is that this dish requires minimum ingredients, and minimum cleanup, and brings maximum flavor. It's a great main dish but can serve as the perfect side dish as well.

Video Tutorial

Why This is the Best Fried Cabbage Recipe

This Fried Cabbage recipe is going to become your favorite, because:

  • IT'S SIMPLE.It's made with 4 ingredients (plus seasonings).
  • IT'S EASY TO MAKE.You'll just need to roughly chop the veggies and bacon, and cook them together.
  • IT'S MADE WITH BACON.Crispy bacon adds a ton of flavor, and makes everything better!
  • IT'S ONE POT.Almost no clean-up is required.
  • IT'S ABSOLUTELY SCRUMPTIOUS.I just can't say enough about how tasty this Fried Cabbage is.

How to Select Cabbage

For this recipe, you'll need the regular green cabbage that is sold in almost every grocery store or supermarket. Select a medium-sizedhead that feels heavy for its size. The leaves should lookcrisp and fresh, without cracks or blemishes.

Here is some more info:How to Select and Store Cabbage

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How to Make Fried Cabbage

1.In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the bacon, bell pepper, and onion over medium heat for 7 minutes.

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2. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir well.

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3. Add the water and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water evaporates.*

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4. Once the water evaporates, keep frying the cabbage for about 10 minutes.

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5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce. Serve.

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* Some cabbage varieties cook faster than others. Adjust the cooking time, if necessary. If needed, add a little bit more water.

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What to Serve with Fried Cabbage

This dish is wonderful on its own, but it will pair well with grains, potatoes, meats, and breads.

  • Grains.Serve this cabbage dish with quinoa, bulgur, sorghum, or rice.
  • Potatoes.This is delicious with scalloped potatoes, baby potatoes, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes.
  • Meats.Try this fried cabbage alongside pork chops, corned beef, roast chicken, or just some slices of bacon.
  • Breads.Enjoy this easy fried cabbage recipe with crusty bread with a bit of butter and some kosher salt, or some skillet cornbread.

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the bacon.Use smoked sausage or chicken sausage instead of regular bacon or bacon pieces.
  • Add sauces/toppings.Try this recipe with some BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Substitute the cabbage.You can also make this easy recipe with red cabbage, or savoy cabbage. Any head of cabbage that you like will work, just adjust the cooking time.
  • Skillet cook it. Make this simple side in a large skillet, cast iron skillet, or large frying pan to give it great flavor and texture.
  • Add some flavor enhancers.You can also make this easy side dish with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili pepper flakes. Even some bacon drippings or bacon grease with some yellow onion would add fantastic flavor.

About the Bacon

You can use any type of bacon you prefer - regular, turkey, or even vegan bacon. Just remember that turkey bacon and vegan bacon are not oily enough, so you'll need to add additional oil or butter.

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Please take a moment to leave your feedback, once you try this dish. I am so thrilled to hear how you enjoyed it! Thanks for sticking with me! You can find printable recipe and nutrition information in the recipe card below.

You'll love these cabbage recipes also:

  • Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken
  • Cabbage Lasagna
  • Cabbage with Ribs
  • Skinny Cabbage Salad
  • Sauteed Cabbage Recipe
  • Easy Baked Cabbage

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (10)

The Best Fried Cabbage

Tania Sheff

This Fried Cabbage recipe is insanely good! Made with bacon, onion, bell pepper, and a touch of hot sauce, it is easy to make, simple, and comes out perfect every time!

4.58 from 124 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 148 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pork bacon strips thick-cut
  • 1 medium cabbage head about 3 lbs., roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • cup water
  • ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp. hot sauce
  • ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the bacon, bell pepper, and onion over medium heat for 7 minutes.

    3 pork bacon strips, 1 medium onion, 1 medium red bell pepper

    The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (11)

  • Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir well.

    ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper

    The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (12)

  • Add the water and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water evaporates.*

    ⅓ cup water, 1 medium cabbage head

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  • Once the water evaporates, keep frying the cabbage for about 10 minutes.

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  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce. Serve.

    1 tbsp. hot sauce

    The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (15)

Notes

* Some cabbage varieties cook faster than others. Adjust the cooking time, if necessary. If needed, add a little bit more water.

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the bacon.Use smoked sausage or chicken sausage instead of regular bacon or bacon pieces.
  • Add sauces/toppings.Try this recipe with some BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Substitute the cabbage.You can also make this easy recipe with red cabbage, or savoy cabbage. Any head of cabbage that you like will work, just adjust cook time.
  • Skillet cook it. Make this simple side in a large skillet, cast iron skillet, or large frying pan to give it great flavor and texture.
  • Add some flavor enhancers.You can also make this easy side dish with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili pepper flakes. Even some bacon drippings or bacon grease with some yellow onion would add fantastic flavor.

About the Bacon

You can use any type of bacon you prefer - regular, turkey or even vegan. Just remember that turkey bacon and vegan bacon are not oily enough, so you'll need to add additional oil or butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 505mgPotassium: 549mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1442IUVitamin C: 126mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below, I can't wait to hear from you!

The Best Fried Cabbage Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Why do people add sugar to cabbage? ›

Sugar: Plain ol' granulated sugar, the amount also to taste. It brings out the subtle, natural sweetness of Southern Fried Cabbage. Balsamic vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works just fine, too, but I like the flavor balsamic adds, and it's a tad sweeter so I don't add as much sugar.

How long to soak cabbage before cooking? ›

If there are any signs of bugs or worms as cabbage can have, soak in salt water for 15 minutes. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enough water to submerge the cabbage.

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

To work the magic of osmosis on your cabbage you'll need to shred all of it first. Then, put it in a bowl with a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage used and let it rest for one to two hours. Then drain off the water, and dry your cabbage with a paper towel before continuing with your recipe.

What does eating a lot of cabbage do to your body? ›

Cabbage, especially red cabbage, seems to raise levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective antioxidants. It also helps lower something called “oxidized” LDL, which is linked to hardening of the arteries. And since it eases inflammation, it can help prevent heart disease.

Should diabetics avoid cabbage? ›

Cabbage is low in calories and carbs and high in fiber. Cabbage can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, but its high nutritional value makes it a healthy choice. This vegetable is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and folate, and it is also high in fiber.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

Why do you soak cabbage in salt water before cooking? ›

The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt. Drain and dry the cabbage with paper towels, gently pressing to release excess water. Repeat with more paper towels as the water is absorbed.

Why do you soak cabbage in salt? ›

Quite unlike the ice-water cabbage, salted cabbage shreds lost most of its liquid while sitting in the salt, leaving the cabbage pickle-crisp. In addition to having less water in it, the cabbage took on more of the dressing's flavors, and unlike stiff, icy shreds, this limp cabbage was also easier to eat.

What is the secret to cooking cabbage? ›

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the cabbage's crispiness and nutrients. To steam cabbage, place it in a steamer basket over simmering water and cover with a lid. Steam until it's tender yet still slightly crunchy. If you plan to sauté or stir-fry cabbage, consider blanching it first.

Why is my fried cabbage bitter? ›

When plant cells are broken, the oils are separated from the sugar molecules by an enzyme and released as a very bitter compound. It's a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers.

What does baking soda do to cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

Do you rinse cabbage before frying? ›

Cabbage
  1. Remove the thick outer leaves of the cabbage head.
  2. Cut the cabbage into wedges.
  3. Rinse the wedges in a colander under running water.
  4. Shake them dry as best as you can, then pat them with a clean cotton towel to remove additional moisture.
Dec 7, 2023

Can dogs have cabbage? ›

All varieties of cabbage are not only tasty to your dog, they are also very healthy. Cabbage helps your dog's digestive system and is good for their skin. It can cause flatulence (gas) in dogs, so remember to feed cabbage in small amounts, and introduce it into their diet slowly.

What makes cabbage taste sweet? ›

This is because as the temperatures drop, the cold causes the plants to break down the energy and convert it into sugar, leading to a sweeter, tastier flavor. There are different types of cabbage; light green, dark green, red and purple are the most common. They are all versatile in the way you can prepare them.

Why is cooked cabbage sweet? ›

Curried Roasted Cabbage has sweet flavors, since high heat brings out the natural sugar in the cruciferous vegetable.

What does sugar do to vegetables? ›

Corriher, a biochemist turned folksy food scientist who was sitting at my dining table, said she had not heard of this — but added that sugar does do more to fruits and vegetables than add sweetness. It also helps preserve their shape.

What are the benefits of eating sweet cabbage? ›

This cruciferous vegetable provides a good deal of fiber and vitamins C and K, which means it may support your immune system, gut health, and bone health. There's evidence that eating cabbage might help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. You can enjoy cabbage raw or cooked.

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