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–+ servings

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Quick and savory fried cabbage cooked with crispy bacon, sautéed onion, and garlic — a simple Southern-style side dish that's ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6 slice bacon thick-cut, chopped
  • 1 head green cabbage about 2 to 2.5 pounds, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil use only if needed (bacon renders fat)
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towel. Leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; add olive oil if the pan is dry.
  • Add the sliced onion to the hot skillet and sauté in the bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced cabbage to the pan in batches, tossing and stirring to coat with fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender with some browned edges, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and add butter if using. Season with salt and black pepper and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Cook another 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a main course.

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
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