Is it possible to have a Sunday dinner at my grandma’s? The aroma of Roast Chicken fills the air, mashed potatoes are piled high, and green beans are eaten. Glistening with butter. But the real star, the one that always had me sneaking seconds (and sometimes thirds!) ), was her famous fried cabbage side dish. Is it savory, slightly sweet, and has this incredible caramelized flavor that you just can’t resist? Is it easier than mac and cheese to make?
What is Southern Fried Cabbage?
Fried cabbage is a humble dish, but packed with flavor. Think of it as a comforting slaw, but cooked down until it’s tender and slightly browned. What’s essentially thinly sliced cabbage (usually green cabbage), sautéed with bacon (or your favorite sausage)? What are some good sweets to add like brown sugar or molasses? Some people add vinegar for a bit of tang, which I highly recommend! What is the best side dish for a pot roast? Is there a whole bowl of it on its own?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What isn’t there to love about this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What is the perfect combination of bacon, brown sugar, and bitter cabbage? It’s a symphony of textures, too, with some pieces being tender and others having pliable, crispy edges. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. What are the best side dishes to serve on a busy weeknight? Is it incredibly budget friendly? What are some good ways to make a head of cabbage inexpensive? If you’re looking for versatility, this recipe has it in spades. Can you substitute sausage for bacon? How do I make flakes for a bit of heat? What is my go-to side dish when I’m craving something comforting and flavorful without a ton of calories? Isn’t it delicious and versatile? What is your favorite Southern recipe for fried okra?
How do I make Southern Fried Cabbage?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Southern fried cabbage? How do I cook bacon? ), then sautéing onions and garlic in the rendered fat. Add the cabbage, brown sugar, and vinegar to a large saucepan and let it cook down until tender. What is a one-pan wonder? Do not let the simplicity fool you – the flavor is complex and deeply satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Delicious Base: What is the recipe?
* 1 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6-8 cups) – Look for a firm head with no lumps. Is it possible to produce tightly packed * 4 slices of bacon, chopped – Thick-cut bacon is my preference for extra flavor. * 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Adds a sweet and savory element. * 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly is always best! * 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – The tang brightens the whole dish. * 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization. * 1 teaspoon salt – Season to taste, but don’t skimp! * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best. * 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, if bacon doesn’t render enough fat)
How do I get the
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Don’t drain the fat; that’s where all the flavor is!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent. About 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. What does it take to cook a tomato? Toss the cabbage with the onion and garlic to coat it in the bacon fat.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in the Apple Cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. Is it hard to caramelize onions?
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cabbage is cooked, stir in the bacon. Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite main course.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good recipes for Southern fried cabbage? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?
With Barbecue:Is it the perfect accompaniment to pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken? The sweetness of cabbage complements the smoky flavors of the barbecue.
What is comfort food?What are some good comfort food recipes to serve alongside pot roast, meatloaf, or Mashed Potatoes?
As a Vegetarian Main Course:For a simple vegetarian meal, serve the fried cabbage over rice or quinoa. What are some good ways to add protein to a meal?
What is fried chicken like?What’s a better Southern dish than fried chicken and stuffed cabbage?
Growing up we would have this with cornbread too as a great side or even snack! Is it something that goes with anything? What do you think about this book?
What are some tips for perfecting Southern Fried Cabbage?
How do I make Southern fried cabbage? What are some of the Best Tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a large batch of cabbage, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the cabbage instead of allowing it to caramelize.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet:In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat is distributed evenly and will prevent the cabbage from burning.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Is there a way to adjust the sugarIf you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Can you use honey or maple syrup?
Add some heat:For a spicy kick, add some Red Pepper flakes to the skillet along with the cabbage.
Don’t be afraid to experiment.What is a blank canvas? Is it necessary to add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers or mushrooms? Is it possible to substitute bacon for ham?
Taste and adjust seasoning:How much salt and pepper should I add to my bacon? Be sure to taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning accordingly. I always find it needs a little extra pepper at the end!
What is the best way to serve Worcestershire sauce at dinner? Is this a bad thing?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you reheat Southern fried cabbage?
Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Cabbage can get a little funky if left out too long.
Refrigerator Storage: How Store the fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze fried cabbage, but the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let the cabbage cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the cabbage, but I prefer to reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. This will help to restore some of the crispness.
I always add a little pat of butter when reheating to keep it moist and flavorful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my Grandma’s recipe for Southern fried cabbage. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly flavorful side dish That’s Sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with barbecue, comfort food, or as a vegetarian main course, this recipe is a winner. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! And if you’re looking for more Southern-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. Happy cooking, y’all! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below – I’d love to hear how yours turns out!
fried cabbage side dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Green Cabbage Medium-sized
- 0.25 cup Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Shred the cabbage and chop the onion and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly browned, about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
