Mandy Croft
Stir-fried cabbage with bacon is a beloved comfort dish that marries the natural sweetness and crunch of cabbage with the smoky, savory richness of bacon. This easy-to-prepare recipe delivers deep, hearty flavors with simple ingredients, making it an ideal side or even a main for busy weeknights.
Below, we explore the essentials to make this dish flavorful and satisfying, along with tips to customize it to your taste.
Why You’ll Love Stir-Fried Cabbage with Bacon
- Rich and savory flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized onions and garlic infuses the cabbage with mouthwatering taste.
- Simple and flexible: This dish uses basic, pantry-friendly ingredients and can be adjusted with additions like sausage, broth, or spices.
- Nutritious: Cabbage is high in fiber and vitamin C, providing a healthy vegetable option that’s hearty enough to please everyone.
- Comforting and classic: Whether it’s a family favorite or a nostalgic homemade meal, it evokes warm, home-cooked memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon: Chopped and pan-fried until crispy, bacon provides the essential smoky, salty base flavor.
- Cabbage: A large head of green cabbage, cored and sliced, is traditional. You can also mix in red cabbage for color and variety.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics caramelize alongside bacon and add sweetness and depth.
- Seasonings: Salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika—each adds layers of flavor.
- Optional broth: Adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while cooking can deepen the savory taste and help cook the cabbage evenly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or stockpot, cook chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy and renders its fat (about 8-10 minutes).
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Cook, stirring often, until the onions caramelize and the garlic is fragrant (approximately 10 minutes).
- Add the cabbage: Stir the sliced cabbage into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and wilts slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Season and simmer: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the cabbage simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring from time to time to ensure even cooking.
- Optional broth addition: For added moisture and richness, pour in about ½ cup of broth before simmering.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm as a comforting side dish or a light main.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Cabbage with Bacon
- Cook low and slow: Allowing the cabbage to simmer gently with the seasoning produces richer, well-developed flavors.
- Caramelize onions well: Patience during this step adds natural sweetness to balance the saltiness of bacon.
- Customize your seasoning: Some cooks like adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
- Add-ins: Smoked sausage, roasted potatoes, or even apples can elevate this dish further.
- Use broth to enhance: Adding a ladle of broth enriches flavor and helps soften the cabbage evenly without drying out the dish.
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 140–190 (depending on bacon amount)
- Fat: 9–13 grams (mainly from bacon)
- Carbohydrates: 11–16 grams (fiber-rich from cabbage)
- Protein: 5–6 grams
- Vitamin C: High (up to 80% daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 4–6 grams
This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to enjoy a healthy vegetable with the indulgence of bacon.
Variations Around the Globe
While stir-fried cabbage with bacon is a Southern classic and favorite in American home cooking, it also appears in various forms in other cuisines:
- Taiwanese-style stir-fried cabbage: A faster stir-fry with bacon, garlic, and a splash of broth for moisture and flavor.
- Southern fried cabbage: Often cooked low and slow with onions and occasionally mushrooms.
- Additions from other cultures: Using sausage, apple, or spices like fennel seeds can bring unique regional flavors.
In Summary
Stir-fried cabbage with bacon is the perfect definition of comfort food that’s both delicious and straightforward to prepare. With crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and fragrant aromatics, it’s a dish that pleases the palate year-round. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a simple side, give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming a treasured staple in your kitchen!
Enjoy your savory, homey stir-fried cabbage with bacon—quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and truly satisfying!
