Fried cabbage with bacon and onions is one thing that has been served in our family for years. It originated from an Old Fashioned stewed cabbage dish my Grandmother made when her kids were little, like that long ago. She LOVED using these leaves for all sorts of dishes.

These two ingredients go so well together. Since the head itself has very little flavor you really want something to pack a punch to wilt and soften each bite + add a lot of YUM. Instead of Boiling Cabbage you are instead sauteeing in the butter, bacon grease and all these other flavors.

Cabbage and Bacon Fried

Ok so technically this is not fried, meaning you cook it in hot oil but rather you are “frying” it on the stove with lots of seasonings, soy sauce and broth so it softens nicely. This term is used often though with this dish, just know it is technically not fried.

Ingredient Notes

Just like when making our slow cooker cabbage recipe you can add seasonings and get it tender but with a bit more texture in a pan on the stovetop is better if you ask me. I mean each has it’s place and time but for overall goodness I’d try this one.

You want to use quite a few slices of bacon diced, not drained because bacon fat means flavor y’all

Your head of cabbage should be green for the optimal texture, unless you want less then you could cut everything in half.

I like to add diced yellow or white Onions and garlic too if you’d like, minced if you want them to become quite soft.

You want to add salted Butter or olive oil for a dairy free option (but that will have a lot less flavor)

Vegetable broth or chicken stock works depending on what taste you’re going for and Soy sauce gives it a umami flavor, rich. Use aminos for a gluten free option

What spices are best in fried cabbage and bacon?

As for seasonings I generally will add garlic salt I like better than just salt and pepper for seasonings, and Old Bay is a must for us but you could use Lawry’s instead Add some dry Sriracha or some red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat or to make it spicy

If you have leftovers from your Italian sausage in oven from the other night just dice that up and you don’t really need to saute, just warm before adding everything else.

Variations

Now you could make this more of a meal with heartier meat, like our Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage, or more than one. Instead of or in addition to the bacon you could brown beef with it too like our unstuffed cabbage casserole recipe does. You could use leftover ham too after the holidays. It is easy to tweak to your liking for sure.

Tips for Cooking Cabbage on Stove

Below are instructions for this method over medium heat. I think using a seasoned Dutch Oven is best but a large pot with a tight lid would work. Like our Pigs in the Blanket with Cabbage filling I will add a bit more heat. Check often as some like a firmer texture which requires less cook time and others want it quite soft = longer.

Instant Pot Directions

Now if you want to make an entire meal with this same main ingredient you could. Grab 2, one to make this and another to dice and make Pressure Cooker Fried Cabbage as the main meal.

How do you cut cabbage for frying?

This is How to Cut Cabbage in a number of ways but in this case 1×1 squares is best in this case. You don’t want the pieces to be too small or they will wilt too quickly and you want a bit of a “bite” to them so it’s not soggy.

How do you cook cabbage without it getting mushy?

Keep a close eye on it. Remember that it doesn’t take long for cabbage leaves to wilt and soften. Tenderness is subjective so check often as 1 minute too long may become mushy to your tastebuds. Stick with sauteeing and do not boil as that will get leaves quite soft.

Cabbage and Bacon