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Southern Fried Cabbage

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 6 Servings

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head green cabbage chopped
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional

Instructions
 

  • Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, leave the bacon grease in the pan and remove excess only if there is too much.
  • Add the sliced onion to the bacon grease and cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about five minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the cabbage cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
  • Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

Tips for the Best Southern Fried Cabbage

Use a cast iron skillet if possible for the best flavor and even cooking. Slice the cabbage into thicker pieces to prevent it from becoming too soft. Let the onions cook fully before adding the cabbage to build depth of flavor. Taste and season at the end since bacon adds natural saltiness.

Variations and Substitutions

For a meat-free version, skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil with smoked paprika for flavor. Add sliced smoked sausage, ham, or turkey bacon for a heartier dish. Sweet onions can replace yellow onions for a milder taste. For extra Southern flair, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of hot sauce. Purple cabbage can be mixed in for color, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Keyword Easy, Quick, Savory, Simple, Smokey