Fried Cabbage Recipe
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 tasty Mexican Street Corn or Roasted Asparagus.
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
- 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.
- Stock – Chicken 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.
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.
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.
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
Fried Cabbage Recipe
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.
I’ve made this using a ham steak and with bacon, also added carrots each time. Always turns out delicious. Thanks Chef, it’s a winner!
Thank you!
Very good!!
Loved it like the uncured bacon been going that route lately, thank you chef.
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!
Can i use preshredded cabbage and prosciutto instead of bacon in this recipe?
prosciutto does not have enough fat to render so no.
Great side dish!!!
Love the recipe Chef Billy thank you 😋😁
Thank so much tasty ChefBilly 😋😋😁
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.
Thank you ChefBilly fab recipe 😋😁👋
Thank you ChefBilly tasty recipe 😁😋
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!
my pleasure!
Do you fry the cabbage in the bacon fat?
yes
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!
You’re welcome!
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!
appreciate you trying this!
Adding crisp bacon is genius! Fried cabbage is so good…especially fried in butter! Thanks for another delicious recipe!
you’re welcome!
Thank you tasty recipe ChefBilly 🤩👋😁😋
thank you!
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
That’s a nice touch!