Fried Cabbage Bacon

Savor the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with this Fried Cabbage Bacon recipe—a quick and easy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting delight. Tender green cabbage is sautéed with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and fragrant garlic, all brought to life with a touch of smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The cabbage absorbs the rich bacon drippings and butter, creating an irresistibly flavorful side dish or light main course. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan recipe is a time-saving favorite for busy weeknights. It's gluten-free, low-carb, and bursting with bold, hearty flavor in every bite. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or serving alongside rustic bread for a complete meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 head green cabbage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the bacon into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, then slice it in half. Remove the core and shred the cabbage into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.

Step 3

Peel and dice the yellow onion, and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 5

To the same pan with the bacon grease, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 8

Begin adding the shredded cabbage to the pan a handful at a time, stirring well after each addition to coat the cabbage in the grease and butter mixture. Continue until all the cabbage is added.

Step 9

Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 10

Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 11

Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir to combine with the cabbage mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the bacon.

Step 12

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	545.4 grams (545.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	582

Total Fat 40.50g	52%
Saturated Fat 18.70g	94%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.70g
Cholesterol 113mg	38%
Sodium 3382mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 35.10g	13%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 16.00g
Protein 23.10g	46%

Vitamin D 12IU	61%
Calcium 195mg	15%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 1066mg	23%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.0%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 23.5%