Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 230kcal
Equipment
- Large skillet (cast iron or nonstick)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 6 slices thick‑cut bacon diced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ medium head green cabbage cored and chopped (about 6–7 cups raw)
- Seasonings
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for caramelization
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
- Optional add‑ins you can note in “Notes”
- 1 –2 cups smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Small splash of apple cider vinegar or soy sauce at the end
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon and Render the Fat
- Add diced bacon to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate, leaving about 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Onion
- Add diced onion to the bacon fat.
- Cook over medium heat 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the Cabbage and Seasonings
- Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir to coat with the fat.
- Add brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well so the seasoning distributes evenly.
- Fry the Cabbage
- Cook over medium heat 7–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- For a slightly caramelized edge, let it sit undisturbed 1–2 minutes at a time, then stir.
- If the pan looks dry, add a splash of broth or water.
- Finish and Serve
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot as a side with pork chops, roasted chicken, or sausages.
Notes
Healthier version: Use less bacon or substitute 2–3 tbsp olive oil for most of the fat; add a little broth instead of extra bacon fat.
Heartier meal: Stir in sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa with the onion for a one‑skillet “haluski‑style” dish. Flavor twist: At the end, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or soy sauce for brightness and umami. Texture tip: Do not overcook; keep it tender‑crisp instead of soft and soggy.
Heartier meal: Stir in sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa with the onion for a one‑skillet “haluski‑style” dish. Flavor twist: At the end, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or soy sauce for brightness and umami. Texture tip: Do not overcook; keep it tender‑crisp instead of soft and soggy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup fried cabbage | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
