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Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe

This quick skillet fried cabbage is smoky, tender, and gently tangy. It’s a budget-friendly side or simple main.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.75 lb green cabbage cored and thinly sliced
  • 6.5 oz bacon thick-cut, chopped
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp brown sugar optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Crisp the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate.
  • Spoon off excess drippings, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  • Sauté onion in the bacon fat until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and paprika for 30 seconds.
  • Add cabbage, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat and cook, stirring often, 8–10 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Stir in butter, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Cook 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Return bacon to the skillet and toss. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

Variation: Add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage with the bacon, or sprinkle caraway seeds for a deli-style twist. Leftovers keep 3–4 days refrigerated; rewarm in a skillet to revive texture.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.