Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon and a variety of seasonings with tender cabbage. This comforting recipe is often found in Southern kitchens, where it brings a taste of home to any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Second, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables, especially if you’re not a fan of plain cabbage. Lastly, the combination of bacon and spices creates a savory flavor that is hard to resist, making it a favorite among family and friends.
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients:
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and crumble it; leave the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften.
- Season with onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.
How to Serve Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite protein, like fried chicken or grilled sausages. It also makes a great addition to any BBQ or potluck. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can enhance its presentation.
How to Store Southern Fried Cabbage
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
- Experiment with different spices based on your taste preferences.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Some people also like to add cooked sausage for an even heartier meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make Southern Fried Cabbage without bacon?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with olive oil or butter for a vegetarian version. You can also use smoked paprika to give it a similar smoky flavor.
2. How do I know when the cabbage is done?
The cabbage is done when it is tender and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes of cooking.
3. Can I freeze Southern Fried Cabbage?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish as cabbage can become mushy once thawed. However, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days.
Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 strips bacon Cooked until crispy
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
Seasonings
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Finishing ingredients
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and crumble it; leave the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften.
Seasoning
- Season with onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
Cooking
- Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.
