Fried Cabbage Recipe (2024)

Published September 28, 2023.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This simple-to-prepare fried cabbage recipe is pan-roasted with crispy bacon and finished with fresh dill and butter for an unbelievably flavorful side dish. You won’t believe how simple this dish is and how good it tastes.

I try to ensure I eat as many vegetables as possible. However, I must admit that it can be tough to make them delicious, so I want to eat them. If you’re in the same boat, check out my tastyMexican Street CornorRoasted Asparagus.

Fried Cabbage Recipe (1)

Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is a simple side dish consisting of cabbage that is fried in fat and served. This is a very easy-to-make recipe that comes together in a matter of minutes. While this classic dish is a southern staple, its roots can be traced to Ireland, especially when bacon is being cooked and served with it.

There is a myriad of ways to enhance the flavor of fried cabbage by using herbs, spices, or pork. I urge you to get creative and find ways to customize this recipe to your and your family’s liking.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Fried Cabbage Recipe (2)
  • Cabbage – You will need a head of green cabbage. Savoy cabbage will also work in this recipe.
  • Bacon – I used regular-cut uncured bacon.
  • Onions – You will need both shallots and garlic for this fried cabbage. You can substitute the shallot for a red, white, yellow, or sweet onion.
  • StockChicken stock or vegetable stock will work.
  • Herbs – Fresh dill is the perfect herb to use in this recipe. You can use the same amount of dry dill if that is all you have.
  • Butter – I always use unsalted butter in my cooking and baking so that I control the salt content.

How to Make Fried Cabbage

Add the bacon to a large 6-quart rondeau or pan over medium heat and cook until the bacon is crisp and browned, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes while frequently stirring.

Fried Cabbage Recipe (3)

Remove the crispy bacon lardons and set them to the side.

Fried Cabbage Recipe (4)

Turn the heat to high and then add in the shredded cabbage and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned. The cabbage should be tender but still have some crispness to it.

Fried Cabbage Recipe (5)

Scoot the cabbage to one side of the pan and then in the other, add in the shallots, garlic, and one tablespoon of butter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant.

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Mix everything together and then deglaze with the stock and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until it is mostly absorbed.

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Finish by stirring in the crispy bacon lardons, fresh dill, butter, salt, and pepper.

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Store or serve with an optional garnish of minced fresh dill.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: This is meant to be eaten within 30 minutes of making it. You can keep it warm over very low heat covered in a pan for up to 1 hour before serving. This may cause the cabbage to soften more.

How to Store: Cover and keep the fried cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This freezes well and is covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for one day or until thawed.

How to Reheat: Add two tablespoons of oil to a large frying pan over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Place in the desired amount of fried cabbage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

Fried Cabbage Recipe (10)

Chef Notes + Tips

  • If bacon is not an option, you can fry the cabbage in neutral-flavored oil or clarified butter.
  • Fresh thyme would also be a good option in place of the dill.

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Italian Potatoes
  • Boiled Green Beans
  • Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
  • Roasted Zucchini
  • Glazed Carrots

Fried Cabbage Recipe (11)

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Fried Cabbage Recipe

Fried Cabbage Recipe (12)

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5 from 13 votes

This fried cabbage recipe is pan-roasted with crispy bacon and finished with fresh dill and butter for an unbelievably flavorful side dish.

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 strips of bacon, cut up
  • ½ head cored and thinly sliced green cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 finely minced garlic cloves
  • ½ peeled small diced shallot
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
  • coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add the bacon to a large 6-quart rondeau or pan over medium heat and cook until the bacon is crisp and browned, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes while frequently stirring.

  • Remove the crispy bacon lardons and set them to the side.

  • Turn the heat to high and then add in the shredded cabbage and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned. The cabbage should be tender but still have some crispness to it.

  • Scoot the cabbage to one side of the pan and then in the other, add in the shallots, garlic, and one tablespoon of butter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant.

  • Mix everything together and then deglaze with the stock and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until it is mostly absorbed.

  • Finish by stirring in the crispy bacon lardons, fresh dill, butter, salt, and pepper.

  • Store or serve with an optional garnish of minced fresh dill.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This is meant to be eaten within 30 minutes of making it. You can keep it warm over very low heat covered in a pan for up to 1 hour before serving. This may cause the cabbage to soften more.

How to Store: Cover and keep the fried cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This freezes well and is covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for one day or until thawed.

How to Reheat: Add two tablespoons of oil to a large frying pan over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Place in the desired amount of fried cabbage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.

If bacon is not an option, you can fry the cabbage in neutral-flavored oil or clarified butter.

Fresh thyme would also be a good option in place of the dill.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 283mgPotassium: 309mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 228IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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25 comments

    • Lynn Corbett

    Very good!!

    • Reply
    • Joseph Wojciechowski
    • Fried Cabbage Recipe (13)

    Loved it like the uncured bacon been going that route lately, thank you chef.

    • Reply
    • Sarah
    • Fried Cabbage Recipe (14)

    I made this almost as written, minus the dill which I didn’t have on hand. And oh my word, it is SO good! I’ve been trying to eat more veggies but so many things seem bland. If that is what you are worried about, stop right here! Make this today! Oh, and the best part? My kiddos keep asking for more!

    • Reply
    • Paul Ruggio

    Can i use preshredded cabbage and prosciutto instead of bacon in this recipe?

    • Reply
    • Fried Cabbage Recipe (15)

        prosciutto does not have enough fat to render so no.

        • Reply
      • Donna
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (16)

      Great side dish!!!

      • Reply
      • sue 😋😁
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (17)

      Love the recipe Chef Billy thank you 😋😁

      • Reply
      • Diana Lindengrass
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (19)

      I’ve made a similar cabbage recipe for many years. I love cabbage and bacon, so I’ll try Chef Billy’s recipe soon—I have cabbage every week.

      • Reply
      • sue😋😁
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (20)

      Thank you ChefBilly fab recipe 😋😁👋

      • Reply
      • sue😁😋
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (21)

      Thank you ChefBilly tasty recipe 😁😋

      • Reply
      • Teresa Hixson
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (22)

      Chef, this recipe is spot on. My family members that won’t normally eat cabbage will devour it when I cook it this way. Thank you, Chef Billy!

      • Reply
      • Fried Cabbage Recipe (23)

          my pleasure!

          • Reply
        • Mary

        Do you fry the cabbage in the bacon fat?

        • Reply
        • Fried Cabbage Recipe (24)

            yes

            • Reply
          • Vickie
          • Fried Cabbage Recipe (25)

          Made this last night for dinner and we enjoyed it so much! We will be doing this again! Served alongside some yummy porkchops! Thankyou for another great recipe!

          • Reply
            • Chef Billy Parisi

            You’re welcome!

            • Reply
          • Susan Morris
          • Fried Cabbage Recipe (26)

          I make fried cabbage frequently & decided to try Billy’s recipe that is similar to mine. The added flavor with the bacon & scallions was great. I did add a some red pepper flakes to mine to kick it up a notch. I also add some paprika to mine occasionally for some added spice, but didn’t this time. Awesome side dish!

          • Reply
            • Chef Billy Parisi

            appreciate you trying this!

            • Reply
          • Chris Luedtke
          • Fried Cabbage Recipe (27)

          Adding crisp bacon is genius! Fried cabbage is so good…especially fried in butter! Thanks for another delicious recipe!

          • Reply
            • Chef Billy Parisi

            you’re welcome!

            • Reply
          • sue
          • Fried Cabbage Recipe (28)

          Thank you tasty recipe ChefBilly 🤩👋😁😋

          • Reply
            • Chef Billy Parisi

            thank you!

            • Reply
          • Gina

          I do mine with bacon as well only I cook the cabbage until almost done, add sour cream and a tablespoon of white vinegar….YUM

          • Reply
            • Chef Billy Parisi

            That’s a nice touch!

            • Reply
        Fried Cabbage Recipe (2024)

        FAQs

        Is fried cabbage good to eat? ›

        Unleash the potential of one of the most healthy and budget-friendly vegetables with this Fried Cabbage and bacon recipe. Thinly sliced cabbage and onions, cooked until tender with crispy bits of bacon, this easy side dish pairs well with your favorite meats, or enjoy it on its own for a quick meal.

        Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

        Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

        How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking? ›

        **Steaming**: Steaming cabbage preserves most of its nutrients and helps maintain its texture. Steam the cabbage until it is tender but still slightly crisp, usually for about 5-7 minutes. 2. **Sautéing**: Sautéing cabbage in a little oil over medium heat cooks it quickly while retaining its nutrients and flavor.

        How do you cook cabbage Jamie Oliver? ›

        Whatever cabbage you are using, cut off the dry end of the stalk. If using Hispi, quarter the cabbage lengthways through its core. If using a regular white cabbage, cut it into manageable wedges, again through the core. Steam for about 10 minutes until it looks rather relaxed and easy to cut through.

        Do you rinse cabbage before frying? ›

        In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate's degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. Before you cook that cabbage, studies suggest you wash it before beginning to cook it.

        Why should cabbage not be eaten raw? ›

        Raw cabbage contains compounds that can lead to increased gas production during digestion. For those prone to flatulence or with sensitive digestive systems, consuming raw cabbage may exacerbate these issues. Cooking cabbage can help break down these compounds, reducing the likelihood of excessive gas.

        Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

        Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water.

        What does cooked cabbage do to your stomach? ›

        It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong. Its juice also can help stomach ulcers heal.

        What happens when you soak cabbage in salt water? ›

        Quite unlike the ice-water cabbage, salted cabbage shreds lost most of its liquid while sitting in the salt, leaving the cabbage pickle-crisp. In addition to having less water in it, the cabbage took on more of the dressing's flavors, and unlike stiff, icy shreds, this limp cabbage was also easier to eat.

        Why is my fried cabbage bitter? ›

        One common reason is that the cabbage may have been overcooked. Overcooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds that can give it a bitter taste. Another possible reason is that the cabbage was not fresh. Old or spoiled cabbage can also taste bitter.

        Can you overcook cabbage? ›

        Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

        Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

        Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

        How do you cook the gas out of cabbage? ›

        To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest. Additionally, try adding caraway seeds or fennel seeds to your cabbage dishes, as these spices are known to help reduce gas.

        How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

        Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the cabbage's crispiness and nutrients. To steam cabbage, place it in a steamer basket over simmering water and cover with a lid. Steam until it's tender yet still slightly crunchy. If you plan to sauté or stir-fry cabbage, consider blanching it first.

        What are the benefits of fried cabbage? ›

        The bottom line

        It has an outstanding nutrient profile and is especially high in vitamins C and K. In addition, eating cabbage may even help lower the risk of certain diseases, improve digestion, and ease inflammation. Plus, cabbage makes a tasty and inexpensive addition to a number of recipes.

        Does cabbage lose nutrients when fried? ›

        On the other hand, stir-frying has been shown to significantly reduce the amount of vitamin C in broccoli and red cabbage (5, 17 ). Sautéing and stir-frying improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and some plant compounds, but they decrease the amount of vitamin C in vegetables.

        What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

        Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Slice it very thinly and leave it for about 10 minutes to help bring out the fullest, most complex flavors. Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw.

        Is fried cabbage hard to digest? ›

        No, as a general rule, cooked or fermented cabbage is easier to digest than raw. In many cases, it is much easier to get nutrients from cooked cabbage.

        References

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