Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a delicious and savory side dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor. The crispy bacon and caramelized onions pair perfectly with the tender cabbage, and the garlic adds an extra depth of taste. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
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Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced onions. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook the cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, tossing it with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and slightly caramelize. You can cover the skillet to help the cabbage cook faster, stirring occasionally.
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Finish the dish:
- Once the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, add the cooked bacon back into the skillet.
- If you like a little acidity, drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and toss everything together.
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips:
- If you prefer a softer cabbage, you can cover the skillet for a few minutes while cooking to help it steam a bit.
- For a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce at the end of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, sausages, or even a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Enjoy this savory, crispy, and tender dish as a side or a light meal!