Southern Fried Cabbage – Are you searching for a mouthwatering side dish, with a flair to complement your meal? Look no further! This recipe for Southern Fried Cabbage is a combination of bacon, tender cabbage and an array of spices that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South. In half an hour you can whip up this dish that’s ideal for any occasion.
I still vividly recall the first time I savored Southern Fried Cabbage. It was a dish my grandmother would prepare during family gatherings. The enticing aroma permeating her kitchen was simply irresistible. After that mouthful I became hooked. Knew I had to learn how to recreate it myself. Over time I’ve refined this recipe. Even added my personal touch. Now it has become a side dish in my household adored by both my husband and child. I’m excited to share this cherished family recipe with you.
What makes this Southern Fried Cabbage truly special?
Southern Fried Cabbage is a masterpiece that harmonizes the richness of bacon, with the delicate sweetness of cabbage resulting in an explosion of flavors that are simply irresistible. What makes this dish truly exceptional is not only its taste but also its incredible versatility—it pairs perfectly with a diverse range of main courses.
Moreover with a convenient and speedy prep time of half an hour, it becomes the option, for those hectic weeknights when you yearn for a homemade side dish that is not only scrumptious but also hassle-free. Indulge yourself in the enchanting flavors of cuisine as you savor each and every bite of this recipe.
What You Need To Make This Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe?
Bacon: Consider bacon as the star of this dish adding a smoky and irresistible flavor to every bite. When those crispy bacon pieces combine with tender cabbage pure magic happens in your mouth.
Butter or Oil: You have a choice here like selecting the canvas for your masterpiece. Butter offers an indulgent touch while cooking oil brings an element. Choose whichever suits your mood and let it work its wonders in the skillet.
Onion: Onions are the companions that contribute their savory essence to this dish. When they sizzle alongside bacon, garlic and spices you know you’re embarking on a journey filled with delights.
Garlic: Garlic is your weapon, in this recipe—a yet powerful flavor enhancer. It infuses the dish with a kick that elevates the experience. Finely chop it up. Let it work its wonders.
Paprika: Paprika not only adds earthy color but also imparts a subtle smokiness to the dish. It’s, like a pinch of charm that gives your fried cabbage a touch.
Creole Seasoning: Creole seasoning is the ingredient that can add a kick of spice or keep things mild depending on your preference. It’s the key, to infusing your dish with that Creole flavor.
Cabbage: Cabbage is truly the star of this recipe. Once it’s chopped and cooked in the skillet it becomes the base for all those delicious flavors to blend together. It turns tender. Absorbs all the flavors making every bite a comforting delight.
Worcestershire Sauce or Chicken Bouillon (Optional): These optional ingredients act like agents enhancing the element of your dish. Just a touch can elevate your fried cabbage to heights by adding depth and richness to its flavor.
Want To Save This Recipe?
White Pepper and Pepper Flakes: White pepper and pepper flakes give you control over the level of spiciness, in your dish. Whether you prefer a warmth or a fiery kick these ingredients allow you to customize it according to your taste buds.
Steps To Make Southern Fried Cabbage:
Step 1: Begin by slicing or chopping the cabbage and setting it aside.
Step 2: In a skillet, over medium heat sauté the bacon until it turns brown and crispy. This should take 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside keeping about ¼ of the bacon for garnishing.
Step 3: Keep a tablespoon or two of the bacon drippings. Add butter to the skillet followed by onions, garlic, paprika and Creole seasoning. Let it simmer for around 2 minutes stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet along with Worcestershire sauce (or chicken bouillon) and white pepper. Heat it until it starts simmering then cover it and let it cook for 10 to 14 minutes or longer if you prefer a texture, for your cabbage.
Step 5: Once your cabbage reaches your desired tenderness add back in the reserved bacon pieces and season with Creole seasoning, salt and pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
Tip:
Take your Southern Fried Cabbage to another level by swapping paprika for the smoked variety. This straightforward shift adds a flavor that brings depth and sophistication to the dish. Smoked paprika, made from peppers that are smoked over wood fires adds an undertone that pairs perfectly with the bacon and cabbage. Begin with a small amount, taste it and adjust as needed to achieve the balance ensuring that the smokiness enhances rather, than overpowers the dish. This minute tweak will vamoose your taste buds yearning for more and your guests appealing for your recipe. Indulge, in the captivating essence that elevates this Southern side dish to new heights!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish without bacon for a vegetarian version?
Certainly! You can exclude the bacon. Instead use vegetable oil or butter to create a vegetarian version of Southern Fried Cabbage.
Is Creole seasoning very spicy?
The level of spiciness in Creole seasoning may differ depending on the brand. To play it safe begin with a small amount. Adjust according to your desired heat preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Southern Fried Cabbage retains its deliciousness when prepared ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to indulge reheat it on the stovetop or, in the microwave.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 6 strips or more bacon cut into 3-4 pieces each
- 1-2 tablespoons tbsp (14-28 grams) butter or cooking oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons tsp (10 grams) garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon tsp (2 grams) paprika
- 1 teaspoon tsp (4 grams) Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium to large head of cabbage chopped (about 10-12 cups)
- 1 teaspoon tsp (4 grams) Worcestershire sauce or chicken bouillon (adjust to taste, optional)
- ½ teaspoon tsp (1 gram) white pepper
- 1 teaspoon tsp (2 grams) pepper flakes (or more, optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, over heat medium cook the chopped bacon until it turns crispy. Set aside some for garnishing. Leave a small amount in the skillet.
- Put butter or cooking oil into the skillet. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika and Creole seasoning. Sauté them for 2 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Mix in the chopped cabbage. If desired include Worcestershire sauce or chicken bouillon to enhance the taste. Cover the skillet. Let it cook for 10 to 14 minutes or until you reach your desired tenderness for the cabbage stirring occasionally.
- Reintroduce the reserved bacon bits and season, with pepper and pepper flakes according to your preference. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Sprinkle some of the crispy bacon on top for added crunchiness. Serve this Southern Fried Cabbage as a side dish. Savor it as a main course while relishing in its authentic Southern flavors!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
I make my fried cabbage without the spices, my husband could not eat some spices. I add sausage in slices, many onions, then we add the salt and pepper as desired. Delicious. I am going to add different spices now.to try different tastes.