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4.59 from 127 votes

The Best Fried Cabbage

This Fried Cabbage recipe is insanely good! Made with bacon, onion, bell pepper, and a touch of hot sauce, it is easy to make, simple, and comes out perfect every time!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fried cabbage
Servings: 4
Calories: 148kcal
Author: Tania Sheff

Ingredients

  • 3  pork bacon strips thick-cut
  • 1 medium cabbage head about 3 lbs., roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp. hot sauce
  • ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the bacon, bell pepper, and onion over medium heat for 7 minutes.
    3  pork bacon strips, 1 medium onion, 1 medium red bell pepper
    cooking bacon with onions and peppers
  • Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
    ¼ tbsp. red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
    seasoning the fried cabbage
  • Add the water and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water evaporates.*
    ⅓ cup water, 1 medium cabbage head
    cooking fried cabbage
  • Once the water evaporates, keep frying the cabbage for about 10 minutes.
    frying cabbage in a skillet
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce. Serve.
    1 tbsp. hot sauce
    adding hot sauce to the fried cabbage

Video

Notes

* Some cabbage varieties cook faster than others. Adjust the cooking time, if necessary. If needed, add a little bit more water.

Recipe Variations

This classic Southern-style Fried Cabbage is incredibly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

🥓 Swap the Bacon

Try smoked sausage, ham, or turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. If using turkey or vegan bacon, add a bit of olive oil or butter to compensate for the lack of fat.

🌶 Make It Spicy

Up the heat with more red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.

🧂 Flavor Boosters

Add a touch of cajun seasoning, paprika, brown sugar, or garlic powder to layer in more flavor.

🥬 Try Different Cabbage Types

This recipe works well with red cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even Napa cabbage. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type.

🥕 Add More Veggies

Toss in carrots, celery, or even zucchini for a nutrient-packed twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 505mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1442IU | Vitamin C: 126mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2mg