Savory Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Savory Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a deliciously flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any pork entrée. Infused with the smoky richness of crispy bacon and sautéed onions, this dish elevates humble cabbage to a savory delight. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the red pepper flakes for a gentler taste. This quick and easy recipe makes for a satisfying side that is sure to become a household favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1 lb (finely chopped)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Cabbage
2 lbs (finely diced)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, add the finely chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels while keeping the bacon grease in the skillet.
2
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Next, add the finely diced cabbage to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the cabbage is coated with the flavorful grease and seasonings.
4
Add the crumbled bacon bits back into the skillet, mixing them with the cabbage thoroughly.
5
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the bacon and spices.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon?
It is a flavorful Southern side dish featuring cabbage sautéed in bacon grease with onions and spices, known for its smoky richness.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need 1 lb of finely chopped bacon, 1 medium chopped onion, 2 lbs of finely diced cabbage, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
How should the bacon be prepared for this recipe?
The bacon should be finely chopped and cooked in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crisp and golden brown.
Should I keep the bacon grease after frying the bacon?
Yes, keep the bacon grease in the skillet as it is used to sauté the onions and coat the cabbage for flavor.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon grease over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
What is the recommended way to cut the cabbage?
The recipe calls for the cabbage to be finely diced to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
How long does the cabbage need to cook once covered?
The cabbage should cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it is tender.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
When do I add the cooked bacon back into the dish?
Add the crumbled bacon bits back into the skillet after the cabbage and seasonings have been added, mixing them thoroughly.
What heat setting should be used for the final cooking phase?
After combining all ingredients, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
What main courses pair well with this side dish?
This savory cabbage dish is an ideal complement to any pork entrée.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is it necessary to stir the cabbage while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir the cabbage occasionally while it is covered and cooking on low heat.
What amount of red pepper flakes is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe that makes for a satisfying side dish.
Should the bacon be drained before adding it back?
Yes, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels while keeping the grease in the skillet.
What flavor profile does the bacon add?
The bacon provides a smoky richness that elevates the humble cabbage into a savory delight.
Does the cabbage absorb the flavors of the other ingredients?
Yes, during the 15-20 minute cook time, the cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the bacon and spices.
Can I adjust the seasonings before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed before serving.
How many pounds of cabbage are needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of cabbage.
What is the very first step in the instructions?
The first step is adding finely chopped bacon to a large skillet and cooking it until crisp.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: bacon, onion, cabbage, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Why do I sauté the onions in bacon grease?
Sautéing the onions in bacon grease makes them more fragrant and infuses the base of the dish with smoky flavor.
Should this dish be served warm or cold?
This dish should be served warm.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the volume of the chopped cabbage.
What categorizes this as Southern cooking?
The use of bacon grease, sautéed cabbage, and onions are classic elements of Southern-style vegetable preparation.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetable, side dish, cabbage, bacon, easy recipe, southern cooking, and pork pairing.
How do I ensure the cabbage is properly coated?
Stir well after adding the cabbage to the skillet to ensure it is fully coated with the flavorful grease and seasonings.
What is the texture of the cabbage after cooking?
The cabbage should be tender after cooking for the allotted 15-20 minutes.