Description
Sizzling Fried Cabbage with Bacon dances with savory Southern comfort, blending crisp cabbage and smoky bacon in one skillet. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a delicious side dish that satisfies deep hunger and warms your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900 g), cored and chopped
Seasonings and Extras:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by carefully cutting it into bite-sized pieces and rendering its fat in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-low temperature until achieving a deep golden crispness.
- Transfer the bacon fragments to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rich, flavorful drippings within the cooking vessel.
- Introduce diced onions into the residual bacon fat, allowing them to soften and become translucent while developing a gentle caramel hue.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the aromatic onion mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release its intense fragrance.
- Roughly chop the cabbage into uniform pieces, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
- Gently tumble the cabbage into the skillet, ensuring each leaf is coated with the savory bacon-infused oil.
- Allow the cabbage to slowly transform, stirring intermittently to promote even wilting and slight caramelization around the edges.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling smoked paprika, creating depth and complexity within the dish.
- Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a harmonious balance.
- Splash a hint of apple cider vinegar to brighten the rich, savory components and add a subtle tangy undertone.
- Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces, folding them gently into the tender cabbage mixture.
- Finish with a light garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, which adds robust texture to the cabbage.
- Fat Rendering Technique: Let bacon cook slowly to release maximum fat, creating a rich flavor base for sautéing vegetables.
- Cabbage Cutting Tip: Slice cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Caramelization Secret: Allow cabbage to sit undisturbed occasionally during cooking to develop delicious golden-brown edges.
- Vinegar Balance: Add apple cider vinegar gradually and taste, preventing overwhelming tanginess while enhancing overall flavor profile.
- Dietary Adaptations: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and olive oil for vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for lower-fat option.
- Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain cabbage’s tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg