Soul-Satisfying Skillet Fried Cabbage

Love easy cabbage recipes? This soul-satisfying fried cabbage with bacon, onions, and garlic is ready in under 40! Get the recipe and cook like a pro!

June 10, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Ever have one of those days where you just need something comforting? honestly, fried cabbage is my go-to. it is one of the cabbage recipes healthy because it's loaded with flavour and is surprisingly good for you, too! i'm going to show you how to make a seriously tasty skillet cabbage stir fry .

Humble Origins, Big Flavours

This recipe has roots in simple, resourceful cooking. it's peasant food, done right, and it exists in variations all over the world.

Think eastern european, irish comfort food, even inspired chinese cooking recipes . this easy cabbage recipe is a quick weeknight meal, ready in under 40 minutes.

This recipe yields around four servings.

The Magic of Cabbage, Elevated

We're talking about tender cabbage recipes , caramelized to perfection, and infused with bacon-y goodness (or a veggie alternative). it's a great way to get your veggies in, packed with fiber and vitamins.

Serve it as a side with some beef recipes for dinner , like a nice juicy steak. alternatively, you can create some easy beef recipes easy with some simple asian cooking techniques and add beef with the fried cabbage.

It also makes a fantastic base for a quick lunch – top it with a fried egg and you're golden! this recipe is special because it transforms humble ingredients into something truly craveable.

Plus, it's way easier than those complicated chinese cooking recipes you find online. so, let's get cooking!

Next up, ingredients!

Alright, let's talk fried cabbage , innit? this recipe is proper comfort food. forget those bland cabbage recipes healthy types.

We're going for flavour! it’s perfect as a side or even a quick main. i've made it countless times. honestly, it always hits the spot.

Ingredients & Equipment: Gettin' Sorted

Right, before we get our aprons on, let's make sure we have all the bits and bobs. No one wants a last-minute dash to Tesco, you know?

Main Ingredients: The Cabbage Crew

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon (about 170g ) OR 2 tbsp bacon fat.
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 150g ). Quality indicator? It should be firm.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g ). Fresh garlic is best.
• 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 900g ). Look for a heavy, firm head.
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth ( 60ml ).
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar ( 15ml ).
• 1 teaspoon sugar ( 5g ).
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika ( 1g ).
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

Sometimes i find myself wanting something a bit more substantial, in those times i consider adding some beef to the mix.

I am thinking i might create a beef recipes for dinner or beef recipes easy , and make it part of cabbage stir fry .

Asian cooking , is a great and healthy way of prepping.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

Forget boring! These spice combos lift the cabbage.

• Smoked paprika and pepper: The essential combo for fried cabbage .
• A dash of apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tang.
• Sugar: Balances the flavors and helps with caramelization.
• Enhancers: A splash of soy sauce, a pinch of five-spice powder (for a Chinese Cooking vibe!), or even a tiny bit of chilli flakes.
• Substitution: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works.

I started using these tips from my Chinese Cooking Recipes phases, they are actually very versatile, and great easy chinese recipes .

Equipment Needed: Bare Essentials

Let’s keep this cabbage recipes prep simple. No need for fancy gear!

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For even cooking.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: Obvious, but crucial.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir things around.
• Alternative: If you don't have a fancy skillet, a regular frying pan will do the job! Just be careful not to overcrowd it.

Get Your Cabbage Fix: The BEST Skillet Fried Cabbage

Oh my gosh, you guys have to try this fried cabbage recipe! honestly, it's like magic. i know, i know, cabbage doesn't sound that exciting, but trust me.

This isn’t your nan’s boiled cabbage – we're talking sweet, savory, slightly caramelized perfection. i'm thinking, it's a game changer when it comes to cabbage recipes .

"simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," right? well, this dish embodies that quote perfectly. it’s easier than you think and the results are, well, let's just say everyone will be begging for more.

It’s also a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet without anyone complaining! did you know that cabbage is packed with vitamin c and fiber? so basically, you're being healthy and eating something delicious.

Cabbage recipes healthy , sorted!

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place: Slice that cabbage nice and thin. I'm talking thin ! Also, get your onion sliced, garlic minced, and bacon (or bacon fat) ready to rock. Having everything prepped really speeds things up.
• Time-saving organization tips: Get everything within arm’s reach and follow Easy Chinese Recipes ' preparation methods. I always chop the cabbage while the bacon is cooking. Two birds, one stone, you know?
• Safety reminders: Knife safety, obvs! Keep those fingers tucked in when chopping. No one wants a trip to A&E.

Fried Cabbage in Six Easy Steps

1. Cook the Bacon (or Prep Bacon Fat): If using bacon, cook it over medium heat until crispy. Remove it. But keep that glorious bacon fat! If you're using bacon fat, chuck it in the skillet and heat it up. Crumble the bacon once it’s cool enough to handle.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook until soft and translucent, like 5- 7 minutes . Add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells amazing. Don't burn the garlic though!
3. Add Cabbage and Deglaze: Add the sliced cabbage. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s where the flavour lives!
4. Season and Cook: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
5. Cook Cabbage: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet. Cook for 15- 20 minutes , stirring now and then, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in that crumbled bacon. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley if you're feeling fancy. Serve hot and prepare for applause!

Pro Tips for Next Level Fried Cabbage

• High heat to start : Use medium-high heat initially. This will help get some amazing browning.
• Don't overcrowd the pan : If you've got a mountain of cabbage, cook it in batches. It browns better that way. I found that out the hard way, honestly!
• Common mistakes to avoid: Not browning the cabbage enough. Colour equals flavour, my friends. Don't be afraid to let it get nice and golden.
• Make-ahead options: You can chop all the veggies ahead of time. Then, when dinner time rolls around, just throw it all in the skillet. Easy peasy. This works well with Chinese Cooking and its many Asian Cooking influenced dishes.

So there you have it! my go-to recipe for amazing fried cabbage . seriously, give it a whirl. you won't regret it.

This recipe is perfect alongside beef recipes for dinner or even just enjoyed on its own. it's also a unique twist on cabbage stir fry .

Let me know what you think! now, who's hungry?

Right, let's talk about taking that delicious fried cabbage recipe to the next level! it’s dead easy to make and packed full of flavour.

I reckon you'll nail it even if you're not exactly gordon ramsay in the kitchen. seriously, it's that simple.

Recipe Notes

Serving it Up Right

Okay, so you’ve got your skillet of gorgeous fried cabbage . What's next? Presentation matters.

• Plating and presentation are key. Heap it on a plate. Garnish with a little parsley. Don’t be shy!
• Complementary sides or drinks? This goes beautifully with sausages or a roast. A nice pint of ale? Yes, please.

Honestly, some mashed potatoes would be lovely with the cabbage stir fry . You know, a classic British combo but elevated. Or try it with some hearty beef recipes for dinner .

Keeping it Fresh

So, you’ve made a big batch of fried cabbage , and you’ve got leftovers? No worries.

• Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep for 3-4 days, no probs.
• Freezing options? Yeah, you can freeze it, but the texture might change a bit. Still tasty, though.
• Reheating instructions: Microwave or back in the skillet. Add a splash of broth to stop it drying out.

Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day. The flavours meld together, you know?

Switch it Up

Fancy a change? Me too! Here's how to twist this cabbage recipes healthy dish:

• Dietary adaptations? Go veggie! Skip the bacon. Use oil. Boom! Cabbage recipes are that easy.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps are where it's at. Add some autumn squash or spring greens. Get creative!

I always add a bit of chilli flakes for a kick. Suits my palate perfectly.

Nutrition Lowdown

Don’t worry, it's not just tasty. It's kinda good for you too!

• Simplified nutrition information: Loads of fibre, some vitamins. Good stuff.
• Key health benefits? Well, it's a vegetable. Good for your gut. What more do you want?

It’s not exactly a kale smoothie, but it’s not bad either.

This easy chinese recipes dish (ok not actually chinese, but inspired) is proper comfort food, right? it's simple. it's tasty.

It's cheap as chips. give it a go! you won't regret it. plus, you know, experimenting with different chinese cooking methods and asian cooking styles keeps things interesting.

And beef recipes easy always go down a treat. happy cooking! honestly, just try it.

Soul-Satisfying Skillet Fried Cabbage Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, thick-cut (approx. 170g) OR 2 tbsp bacon fat
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (approx. 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
• 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (approx. 900g)
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (60ml)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using bacon, cook in the skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat. If using bacon fat, add it to the skillet and heat over medium. Crumble the bacon when cool enough to handle.
2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken or vegetable broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds tons of flavour.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the cabbage mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove lid for the last five minutes to help to dry the mixture to your liking, and allow more browning.
6. Stir in the crumbled bacon (if using). Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.