When it comes to Southern comfort food, few dishes are as humble yet satisfying as Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and simple ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly delicious.
In this article, I’ll walk through how to make an authentic Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage recipe on the stove, using a few basic ingredients and classic Southern techniques. I’ll also share helpful tips for getting perfect flavor and texture every time.
1. Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage Recipe (Servings: 6)
Ingredients:
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⅓ cup vegetable oil
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3 slices bacon, cut into thirds
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
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1 head cabbage, cored and sliced
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1 white onion, chopped
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1 pinch white sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly. Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the hard core from each section, and slice the cabbage into thin strips. Chop the white onion and cut the bacon into smaller pieces — this will help them cook evenly and release flavor more efficiently.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the ⅓ cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
The bacon fat will combine with the oil to form a rich base for frying the cabbage. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, but leave the flavorful grease in the skillet.
Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step helps build a savory foundation that complements the sweetness of the cabbage later.
Add the Cabbage:
Now it’s time to add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. It might look like too much at first, but the cabbage will shrink significantly as it cooks. Stir well to coat all the cabbage with the oil and onion mixture.
Season the Cabbage:
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a pinch of white sugar. The sugar helps balance the earthy and slightly bitter notes of the cabbage, enhancing its natural sweetness. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference — some like it peppery and savory, while others prefer it milder.
Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15–20 minutes or until it becomes soft, tender, and lightly browned around the edges. The goal is to achieve a perfect balance between tenderness and a slightly caramelized flavor.
Add Bacon Back In:
Once the cabbage is cooked, add the crispy bacon pieces back into the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving the dish a slightly smoky, savory aroma.
Serve and Enjoy:
Taste the cabbage and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a side dish or even as a main meal with cornbread or rice.
2. Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage
Cooking fried cabbage may seem simple, but a few small techniques can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
Use a cast-iron skillet: Cast iron distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a slightly caramelized finish on the cabbage.
Don’t rush the cooking process: Slow cooking allows the cabbage to release moisture gradually and absorb the flavors of bacon and onion.
Add a touch of acid: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten up the dish.
Balance the seasoning: Don’t skip the pinch of sugar — it enhances the natural sweetness of cabbage and balances the salty, smoky flavors.
Make it your own: You can add extra ingredients like smoked sausage, diced bell peppers, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Serving Suggestions
Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
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With meats: Serve it alongside fried chicken, grilled pork chops, meatloaf, or smoked sausage for a hearty Southern-style meal.
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With starches: Pair it with buttered cornbread, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up all the savory juices.
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As a vegetarian meal: Skip the bacon and add a bit of butter and a sprinkle of paprika for a meat-free version that’s still rich and delicious.
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As a comfort food bowl: Combine fried cabbage with cooked noodles, bacon, and butter for a quick and cozy one-pan meal.
You can serve fried cabbage as a side dish for dinner, or even enjoy leftovers the next day for breakfast — just reheat it in a skillet and top it with a fried egg!
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute red cabbage if that’s what you have. It has a slightly stronger flavor and a beautiful deep purple color when cooked, though it may lose some vibrancy when sautéed.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a bit more oil or butter. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that classic smoky flavor.
Q4: Why add sugar to fried cabbage?
A small pinch of sugar helps to balance the cabbage’s natural bitterness and enhances its sweetness. It doesn’t make the dish sugary — it just rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Q5: Can I make fried cabbage ahead of time?
Yes! Fried cabbage actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended. You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving for a quick side dish.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage Recipe captures the essence of simple Southern cooking — hearty, flavorful, and made with love. With its perfect blend of smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and sweet onion, it’s a dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Read More: Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipe
