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5 from 3 reviews

Smoky Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Craving a savory, low-carb meal that’s ready in a flash? This one-pan wonder combines crispy smoked bacon and tender-crisp cabbage for a satisfying dish any night of the week.

  • Total Time30 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¾ pound thick-cut smoked bacon (diced into ½-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900 g, cored and roughly chopped)
  • ¼ cup 60 ml chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Blend : In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Set this aromatic blend aside for later.
  2. Render the Bacon : Place the diced bacon in your cold cast-iron skillet and set the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes. Your goal is deeply browned and crispy bacon. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Flash-Wilt the Cabbage : Increase the heat to medium-high until the bacon fat is shimmering. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will cook down. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and starts to brown at the edges.
  4. Infuse with Aromatics : Sprinkle the prepared spice blend and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper over the cabbage. Stir continuously for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and evenly distributed.
  5. Deglaze and Steam : Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This moisture will help steam the cabbage to a perfect tender-crisp texture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Unify the Flavors : Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Drizzle with the apple cider vinegar to brighten the dish, then give it one final stir. Cook for 1 more minute for the flavors to meld. The cabbage should be tender with a slight bite.
  7. Serve Immediately :Portion the cabbage and bacon into four bowls. This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or in the microwave. Note that the bacon will lose its crispness upon reheating.
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use pancetta or lardons as a substitute for bacon. For a different texture, try Savoy or Napa cabbage. To add another layer of flavor, sauté half a sliced yellow onion before adding the cabbage.
  • Troubleshooting: If your cabbage isn’t as tender as you’d like, add another splash of broth, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. If the dish seems too watery, simply let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes until the excess liquid reduces.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 258 kcal | Total Fat: 16 g (Saturated Fat: 5.5 g) | Total Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugars: 9 g) | Protein: 14 g | Sodium: 855 mg | Cholesterol: 47 mg | Potassium: 584 mg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 258

Find it online: https://dietareas.com/2025/06/25/southern-style-smoky-fried-cabbage-with-bacon/