Every time I make this Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic, I’m taken back to my childhood. There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of bacon sizzling away in the skillet, filling the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. I can almost hear my mom humming happily as she prepared this delicious dish that always graced our Sunday dinners. The combination of savory bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage brings that cozy, homestyle feeling to your table. I truly believe that cooking is a wonderful way to connect with our memories and our loved ones. And trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll be just as enamored with it as I am.
Now, let’s talk about making this lovely Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic together. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a good skillet, some heartfelt ingredients, and your willingness to add a dash of love. This dish is more than just food; it’s about sharing joy with those you hold dear. Are you ready to bring some comfort food into your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: Cabbage is the star of the show in this recipe. Its crispiness and mild flavor act as a canvas for all the delightful tastes we’ll be adding.
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped: Oh, the bacon! It’s the key to that wonderful smoky flavor that perfectly complements the cabbage.
- 1 onion, sliced: Sweet onions will enhance the dish’s overall richness, adding a gentle sweetness as they caramelize.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic touch that will make your house smell heavenly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings will elevate every ingredient, making sure each bite is delightful.
- Olive oil or bacon grease for cooking: Using bacon grease is a personal favorite of mine; it adds even more flavor. But if you prefer, olive oil works well too!
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s prepare this comforting dish step by step.
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First, cook the bacon. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add those chopped slices of bacon. You’re going to want to cook them until they are lovely and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to give it a stir every now and then to ensure it cooks evenly!
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Remove the bacon when it’s done. Once you’ve achieved that delightful crispy texture, use a slotted spoon to take the bacon out of the skillet, leaving the grease behind. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain, but don’t discard the drippings in the skillet! Those precious drippings are full of flavor.
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Add the sliced onion. Toss in the sliced onion into that glorious bacon grease. Let them sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and slightly golden. This usually takes just about 5 minutes. The sweetness will start to fill the air, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
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Now, it’s time for the garlic. Add in the minced garlic and give it a stir. Cook for an additional minute. Just keep an eye on it; you want it fragrant, not burnt—trust me, I’ve been there!
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Next, add the chopped cabbage. Now we bring in our lovely cabbage! Stir it well into the mix of onions and garlic. The fresh smell is absolutely invigorating!
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Season with salt and pepper. Go ahead and sprinkle some salt and pepper onto the mixture. This will really make everything pop! Give it a good stir and coat the cabbage well in those delightful flavors.
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Cook until tender. Let the cabbage cook while stirring occasionally. This will take about 10-15 minutes or until it’s tender but still has a lovely crunch. You want to capture that delightful texture!
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Finally, stir in the cooked bacon. Once the cabbage is just perfect, it’s time to fold in that beautiful crispy bacon. It’s the finishing touch that brings everything together!
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Take a moment to step back and admire your handiwork. The colors, the smells—oh my goodness, it’s going to be delightful!
What I love about making this dish is that it embodies warmth in my kitchen. The crunchy texture of the cabbage with the savory bacon and sweet onions just gives me that homey feeling. The best dish is one that can bring everyone together, and this recipe does just that. You can serve it as a satisfying main dish or as a delightful side to accompany grilled meats or roasted chicken.
As for the tools you’ll need, all you really need is a large skillet and a spatula. Pretty easy, right? And if you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can easily prepare the components and just combine them right before serving.
Here are some personal tips for perfect results:
- For added texture, try shredding the cabbage instead of chopping it. This gives a different, but equally delicious, bite.
- If you have some on hand, fresh herbs like thyme can add a wonderful aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage!
- Don’t rush the cooking process. Allowing the ingredients to slowly caramelize will enhance the flavors immensely.
For serving suggestions, I love to pair this dish with some roasted chicken or grilled sausages. The smoky bacon flavor complements meats beautifully. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread on the side—it’s fantastic for soaking up any juices left on your plate!
Now, let’s talk leftovers. If you happen to have any (which is rare in my house!), you can store the Fried Cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a little splash of water to help steam it back to life—that way, it doesn’t dry out!
FAQ Section: Can I use other types of cabbage? Absolutely! While I love green cabbage, you can certainly use savoy or even napa cabbage for a different flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage? You want to remove the core first. Then slice the cabbage in half and lay it flat on your cutting board. From there, slice it into thin ribbons.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can cook everything, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. I love knowing that I can whip it up with just a handful of ingredients, and the result is always packed with flavor and comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it out for yourself! I know once you take that first bite, you will understand why this dish holds such a special place in my heart.
So why not give it a go? I’m excited for you to create your own memories around this recipe. And remember, cooking is all about love—so pour your heart into it and watch how it brightens up your dinner table. Let me know how it turns out, and I bet your family will be asking for seconds, just like mine does every time!