Southern Fried Cabbage is a delicious, flavorful side dish that’s quick to make and pairs wonderfully with everything from fried chicken to pork chops. The cabbage is sautéed until tender with bacon, onions, and a few simple seasonings, resulting in a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, if you want more richness)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet with the bacon fat and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Add the Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Let the cabbage cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and reduce in volume.
4. Season the Cabbage:
- Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
5. Add the Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and cover the skillet. Let the cabbage simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of texture.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the cabbage cooks evenly.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the cooked bacon and any other optional seasonings or fat (like butter or olive oil) for richness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
Tips:
- Bacon: The bacon adds great flavor, but if you want a lighter version, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of olive oil for sautéing.
- Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smokiness to the cabbage, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use regular paprika.
- Add-ins: You can make this dish even heartier by adding a few cooked sausage slices or a bit of ham to the pan.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to kick things up!
This Southern Fried Cabbage is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s simple to make and full of comforting Southern flavors. Perfect as a side dish to complement your favorite meats or serve it on its own as a tasty vegetarian dish! Enjoy!