The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage, all kissed by the savory essence of garlic, creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. As the cabbage slowly caramelizes in the bacon fat, it transforms into a dish that is both hearty and comforting, with just the right amount of crunch. The addition of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful tang that elevates this humble side to a whole new level. Whether served alongside a roast, paired with sausage, or enjoyed on its own, this fried cabbage recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside in separate bowls for easy access while cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once crispy, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onion should start to caramelize slightly, adding a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
- Add the Garlic: Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic into the onions and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir to combine the cabbage with the onions and garlic, ensuring that the cabbage is well-coated with the bacon fat. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The cabbage should become tender and slightly caramelized, but still have a bit of crunch.
- Finish the Dish: Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you like a slight tang, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and stir to combine.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the fried cabbage with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course.
