Sizzling & Sweet: The Ultimate Fried Red Cabbage Recipe with Bacon
Transform ordinary red cabbage into an extraordinary side dish that will captivate your taste buds! My **fried red cabbage recipe** offers a perfect harmony of tender, vibrant red cabbage, sweet caramelized onions, savory crispy bacon, and a delightful tangy kick from apple cider vinegar. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavorful experience that’s surprisingly quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this versatile dish adds a pop of color and a burst of savory-sweet goodness to any meal. Get ready to elevate your cooking with this simple yet sophisticated recipe!
Why You’ll Adore This Fried Red Cabbage Recipe
This fried red cabbage recipe stands out for many reasons, making it a beloved choice for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike:
- Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of crispy bacon, sweet onions, earthy cabbage, and tangy apple cider vinegar creates a complex and irresistible taste that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tart notes.
- Vibrant Presentation: Red cabbage maintains its beautiful purple hue, adding a stunning visual appeal to your plate, making it ideal for any occasion.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time (approximately 20 minutes from start to finish), this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious side in a hurry.
- Versatile Pairing: It complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats and poultry to hearty sausages and even vegetarian dishes.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Red cabbage is packed with vitamins (especially C and K), minerals, and fiber, making this a healthy addition to your diet. When prepared with olive oil, it becomes an excellent low-calorie, low-carb option.
- Family Favorite: The savory bacon and touch of sweetness appeal to even picky eaters, making it a dish the whole family will enjoy.
⭐ Simple Ingredients for Spectacular Fried Red Cabbage
Crafting this flavorful fried red cabbage dish requires a short list of accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final taste:
- 4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage (about 15 ounces or 425g): Fresh red cabbage is key. Thinly slicing it ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, achieving that tender-crisp texture. Look for firm, heavy heads of cabbage with vibrant leaves.
- 4 strips bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth and a wonderful crispy texture. It also provides the perfect fat base for frying the cabbage. For a leaner option, use turkey bacon or cook with olive oil instead.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: As the onion caramelizes, it releases natural sweetness that beautifully complements the tanginess of the vinegar and the earthiness of the cabbage. Yellow or sweet onions work best here.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This is the secret ingredient that brightens the entire dish, adding a crucial tangy balance to the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the onion and sugar. Don’t skip it!
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed: A touch of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and onions, helping them to caramelize and creating a lovely glaze. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an aromatic kick without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- Finely chopped chives (optional, for garnish): Chives provide a fresh, oniony finish and a pop of green color, making the dish even more appealing.
While a cast iron pan is often recommended for its even heat distribution and ability to create a beautiful sear, don’t worry if you don’t have one. This recipe still turns out wonderfully in other heavy-bottomed skillets. I’ve personally tested it in various pans, and the results are consistently delicious.
How to Make Perfect Fried Red Cabbage
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own irresistible fried red cabbage:
Cook the Bacon: In your chosen pan (ideally a cast iron skillet), cook the bacon over medium heat until it reaches your desired crispiness. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon strips and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. This keeps the bacon wonderfully crispy. Reserve about 1½ tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan. This flavorful fat will be the base for cooking your cabbage and onions, adding incredible depth of flavor.
Sauté Cabbage and Onions: Add the thinly sliced red cabbage and onions to the pan with the reserved bacon fat. Stir well to coat them evenly. Now, incorporate the remaining ingredients: apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 8-10 minutes. The goal is for the onions to become translucent and sweet, and the cabbage to soften to your desired tenderness without losing its vibrant color entirely. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Serve and Garnish: Once the cabbage is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish. Crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the top, distributing it evenly. For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with finely chopped chives, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
This side dish is best enjoyed fresh, ensuring the bacon remains delightfully crispy. If you prefer to prepare ahead, you can cook the seasoned cabbage and onions up to 3-4 days in advance (consider cooking them in olive oil instead of bacon fat for make-ahead convenience). Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The key to maintaining crispiness is to cook and crumble the bacon topping right before serving.
Fried Red Cabbage Recipe
My fried red cabbage recipe is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines tender red cabbage, sweet onions, crispy bacon, and a tangy touch of apple cider vinegar.
Author: Summer Yule
Rating: 5 from 1 vote
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Video: Watch How to Make It!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 101 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 15 ounces or 425g)
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a cast iron pan over medium heat until done to your liking. Set the bacon aside on paper towels to drain, leaving 1½ tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the cabbage and onion to the pan, stir. Add the rest of the ingredients except the bacon and chives. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the cabbage is soft. It will take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- To serve, crumble the bacon on top and garnish with chopped chives.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (or other heavy-bottomed pan)
Notes from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Red cabbage is a low-calorie, low-carb vegetable that is packed with fiber and beneficial nutrients. To further reduce the saturated fat in this side dish, consider cooking the cabbage in olive oil instead of bacon fat.
Nutrition information provided is for one serving. Please remember that calorie and nutrient values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician for personalized dietary advice. “To taste” means to your personal preference, ensuring safe food handling practices.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 101 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14.2 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Vitamin A: 23.7% DV
- Vitamin C: 104.8% DV
- Calcium: 5.7% DV
- Iron: 6.6% DV
Keywords: fried red cabbage, fried red cabbage recipe, sautéed red cabbage, bacon cabbage side dish, healthy cabbage recipe
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Expert Tips for the Best Fried Red Cabbage
Achieving the perfect fried red cabbage is easy with a few insider tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal browning and tenderness, avoid overcrowding your skillet. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches or using a larger pan.
- Slice Cabbage Evenly: Uniformly thin slices ensure consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful here, but a sharp chef’s knife works just as well with a steady hand.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Taste as you go! The amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar can be adjusted to suit your personal preference. Some prefer a sweeter dish, while others enjoy a more pronounced tang.
- Achieve Perfect Cabbage Texture: Cook the cabbage until it’s tender-crisp. You want it softened but still with a slight bite, not mushy.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté the cabbage and onions in olive oil or a plant-based oil. For added depth, you can include smoked paprika.
Flavorful Variations to Try:
- Add Apples: Incorporate thinly sliced apples (like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness) during the last few minutes of cooking for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Caraway Seeds: A teaspoon of caraway seeds pairs wonderfully with cabbage, adding a classic European touch. Add them with the other seasonings.
- Mustard Seeds or Dijon: A pinch of mustard seeds or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add a subtle spicy kick.
- Different Vinegars: Experiment with red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
Serving Suggestions:
Fried red cabbage is incredibly versatile. It makes an excellent accompaniment to:
- Roasted pork loin, sausages, or bratwurst.
- Grilled chicken or turkey.
- Hearty beef dishes like pot roast or brisket.
- Fish, particularly white fish, as the tangy notes cut through richness.
- Alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover fried red cabbage (without the crumbled bacon, if possible) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Add freshly crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best way to slice red cabbage for frying?
A: For fried red cabbage, thinly sliced pieces are ideal. You can achieve this by quartering the cabbage, removing the core, and then slicing it into fine ribbons with a sharp chef’s knife or using a mandoline slicer for consistent results. Thinner slices cook faster and absorb flavors better.
Q: Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
A: Yes, absolutely! While red cabbage offers a beautiful color and a slightly different flavor profile, green cabbage can be used as a direct substitute. The cooking time might vary slightly, but the method remains the same.
Q: How do I prevent my fried red cabbage from becoming mushy?
A: The key is to cook it until it’s tender-crisp, not soft and watery. Ensure your pan is hot enough and don’t overcrowd it, allowing the cabbage to sauté rather than steam. Stirring occasionally and monitoring its texture will help prevent it from becoming mushy. The total cooking time should be around 8-10 minutes.
Q: Is fried red cabbage healthy?
A: Red cabbage is highly nutritious, packed with fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants. When prepared with bacon, it adds some fat, but it’s still a relatively low-calorie and low-carb side dish. For an even healthier version, substitute bacon fat with olive oil or avocado oil, and reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
A: You can prepare the cooked cabbage and onion mixture up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For best results, cook the bacon fresh just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness. Reheat the cabbage gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
👩🍳 More Cabbage Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed this fried red cabbage recipe, you’ll be delighted to explore more delicious ways to incorporate this versatile vegetable into your cooking:
- Air Fryer Red Cabbage Steaks: A simple and healthy way to enjoy cabbage with minimal effort.
- Fermented Red Cabbage Sauerkraut: Learn how to make your own probiotic-rich sauerkraut at home.
- Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe: A classic, comforting, and weight-loss-friendly soup.
- Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad Recipe: A fresh and crunchy salad, perfect for a lighter meal.
- Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss, and keto-friendly!
Final Thoughts on Fried Red Cabbage
This fried red cabbage recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Its balance of savory bacon, sweet caramelized onions, tender red cabbage, and a bright, tangy finish makes it a standout side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to add a vibrant vegetable to your holiday spread or searching for a quick and flavorful accompaniment to your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with the humble red cabbage all over again!