Description
This Easy Fried Cabbage recipe is a deliciously savory side dish featuring crispy bacon, tender sautéed cabbage, and the subtle heat of smoked paprika and mustard. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the perfect comfort food to accompany any meal, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the sliced bacon pieces. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the pan: Remove some of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons to keep the flavors, but not too much to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, stone ground mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the cabbage: Place the sliced and chopped cabbage into the pan. Use a large spoon or tongs to stir and sauté the cabbage with the onion and spices for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cabbage is buttery soft and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Combine bacon and serve: Return the cooked crispy bacon to the pan, tossing everything together evenly. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute stone ground mustard with Dijon mustard for a slightly different flavor.
- Adjust the smoked paprika quantity according to your spice preference.
- Make sure to cut the bacon pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing garlic and onions.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a hearty side for vegetarian meals without bacon.
- Use a large pan to prevent overcrowding, ensuring the cabbage cooks evenly and caramelizes nicely.
