Fried cabbage is a quintessential Southern comfort food. Humble cabbage is transformed when it’s sautéed until gloriously caramelized with sweet onions and salty, crispy bacon pieces. The trio creates an explosion of flavors – sweet, savory, smoky, and just a hint of pepperiness from the bacon grease.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to creating this dish:
1. Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the sliced onions to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until they are translucent and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan and toss it with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and starting to brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Sprinkle the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the cabbage mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finally, add the cooked, crispy bacon back to the pan and gently stir to incorporate it throughout the fried cabbage.
Serve your Southern Fried Cabbage while still hot, garnished with additional freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Simple, inexpensive cabbage is transformed by fragrant bacon drippings and caramelized onions into an addictively delicious comfort food side dish. This easy Southern fried cabbage recipe is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face in your family.
