Fried Cabbage Recipe

Whenever I think of nostalgic, comforting sides, fried cabbage is always at the top. My Big Mama would throw down a big skillet every other Sunday, cooking up thick slices of bacon first, then frying the cabbage right in the bacon fat. She kept it simple with her seasonings, but NEVER skipped the sugar and a splash of vinegar in her fried cabbage. It’s the Southern way boos, through and through!

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How to Make Fried Cabbage

These step-by-step photos show how to make fried cabbage, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Fried Cabbage Recipe

1. Sauté the bacon, onions, and garlic

Cook the bacon until lightly browned, soften the onions in the rendered fat, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.

2. Add the cabbage

Toss the cabbage with tongs as it cooks down, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.

3. Finish your Southern fried cabbage with sugar and vinegar

Cook briefly, then remove your fried cabbage from the heat and serve warm.

PRO TIP: Use the seasonings you enjoy! I sometimes add a little Cajun seasoning . No surprise there boos, I’m as Southern as a pot of greens !

Full Fried Cabbage Recipe

Recipe Tips

1. Pick a good head of cabbage. Look for one that’s firm, heavy for its size, and has tight, bright green leaves. Those make the best crispy fried cabbage.
2. Forget the bagged stuff. Pre-shredded cabbage cooks down too fast and turns to mush. Grab a whole head and chop it yourself (I show y’all how down in the FAQs).
3. Don’t skip the vinegar, boos! It brightens the cabbage and pulls up all that smoky bacon flavor from the bottom of the pan.
4. Fry it to your liking. The timing in the recipe gets it tender with a little bite because that’s how Big Mama liked it, but if you like yours super soft, let it go a few more minutes. If you like it crisp, cut the time back. Trust your taste buds.

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Serving Ideas

• Make it a whole meal: Toss in some smoked sausage, ham, or shrimp. Serve it over red beans and rice or mashed potatoes , and you’ve got a full meal!
• Cookout favorite: This easy fried cabbage holds its own next to chipotle short ribs , BBQ wings , and baked beans .
• With roasted meats: Pair it with roasted turkey legs , baked ham , or even pot roast .
• Sunday supper: Serve your cabbage with fried catfish , mac and cheese , and cornbread muffins . That’s a plate Big Mama would be proud of.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Cabbage

What kind of cabbage is best?

Green cabbage is the best choice because its sturdy leaves hold their shape well during cooking and become tender, buttery, and slightly sweet.

How do you make fried cabbage without bacon?

Use butter and olive oil or another neutral cooking oil instead of bacon grease. For extra savory flavor, add smoked paprika or a small splash of Worcestershire sauce.

How do you keep fried cabbage from getting soggy?

Cook the cabbage over medium-high heat and allow excess moisture to evaporate instead of trapping it in the pan. Cooking for about 8 to 12 minutes helps keep the cabbage tender while still giving the edges a light caramelized sear.

What can I substitute for pork bacon?

Turkey bacon or smoked chicken sausage are good alternatives. Since turkey bacon releases less fat, add a small amount of oil to the pan while cooking.

Fried Cabbage Recipe

Print Recipe

Fried cabbage cooked with bacon, onion, garlic, and green cabbage in one pan. Finished with vinegar and sugar for balance and ready fast.

• Author: Maya Collins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6, 6 servings 1x
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (rough chopped)
• 1 small head of green cabbage (about 2 pounds, cut into large pieces)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the pieces of bacon until they’ve become light brown and rendered their fat, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the onion and continue cooking until the onion has softened and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir regularly. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the cabbage and use tongs to stir and toss regularly to allow the cabbage to cook down. (Lower the heat slightly if you see your cabbage starting to burn.) Add the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using) and continue cooking. The cabbage will soften and wilt slightly. Cook for about 8 minutes, until the cabbage has wilted but still has a little bite to it.
4. Lastly add the sugar and vinegar to the cabbage and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Nutrition

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 472 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 16 mg