Fried Bacon turns ordinary Cabbage into a delicious, mouth-watering dish!
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Cabbage is such an under-appreciated vegetable. Okay, I get it—it’s pretty bland when you eat it raw, but I’m always amazed at what a little heat and bacon grease can do. You read that right. Bacon grease. It’s a thing, I promise. Who doesn’t like bacon? I just love cooking in a kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling bacon and sweet, caramelizing cabbage, and you will, too. Best of all, it’s quick and simple to make. The combination of bacon and tender cabbage creates a savory, salty flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds—and thirds.
When I’m taking a break from starchy foods like pasta and rice, I turn to this recipe. It’s become a low-carb favorite in our home. Be sure to check out our other comforting cabbage recipes, like our keto cabbage rolls and cabbage soup with sausage.
Is Bacon-Fried Cabbage Healthy?
Okay, I get that bacon-fried cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healthy eats. But it can be a part of a balanced diet, especially for my paleo and keto friends out there. For starters, cabbage is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense veggie. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and all sorts of antioxidants. And bacon? Well, bacon adds flavor. Besides, you can always take away a slice or two. Or use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
For those looking to make the recipe even healthier, try using olive oil instead of bacon grease to sauté the cabbage. And to make it suitable for vegetarians or vegans, ditch the bacon altogether and add a splash of liquid smoke to retain that smoky flavor. There are also lots of plant-based brands these days.
Perfectly Caramelized Cabbage
Like I said earlier, uncooked cabbage is pretty bland and even bitter tasting. That’s why you need to sauté this tough veggie until it caramelizes. And the key to perfectly caramelized cabbage is patience. Yeah, it’s tempting to turn your burner up, but that’ll burn the cabbage. Cooking the cabbage slowly over medium heat ensures your cabbage softens and gets that sweet caramelization you want. You’ll know it’s just right when the cabbage turns golden brown. And don’t forget to try a bite. If all goes well, the bacon grease will have done its job caramelizing the cabbage while infusing it with an irresistible savoriness.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Crisp
Cook bacon until crisp; set aside.
Season
Cook cabbage with seasonings in bacon grease.
Combine
Mix in bacon with cabbage and heat through.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
This is a recipe you can prep ahead. Feel free to slice the cabbage up. You can probably store it in the fridge for at least a couple of days. Could also slice the bacon up as well, but store them separately. Regarding leftovers, this dish will stay good in your fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—it’ll taste better than the microwave.
You definitely can. While green cabbage is a tough veggie, red cabbage is even more so—as such, you’ll notice a slightly different texture and flavor. Also, it may need a bit more cooking time to caramelize.
I like how it is, but I have some recommendations! Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a nice tang. To turn up the heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or even thyme also add a unique taste.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-fried cabbage is basically destined for hearty dishes, like baked or air-fried pork chops. Our grilled chicken with sour cream and onion marinade complements this dish as well. Or try our easy turkey meatloaf recipe. And for an even lighter option, pair it with our healthy baked salmon. It even works as a topping for baked potatoes.
Bacon-Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium head green cabbage cored and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
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Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
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Cook the cabbage in the bacon grease over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and begins to caramelize, about 10-12 minutes.
-
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the cabbage, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the bacon and blend the flavors.
Nutrition
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