Spicy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Spicy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a flavorful twist on a classic Southern staple. With its smoky, spicy kick and crispy bacon, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor.

Ingredients for Spicy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bacon is the star here, adding a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish. The drippings left behind also serve as a base for sautéing the vegetables, infusing them with that irresistible bacon goodness. Cabbage is the main vegetable, providing a hearty, slightly sweet background that pairs perfectly with the spices. Onion and Red Bell Pepper add a sweet and savory balance, while Garlic enhances the overall aroma with its pungent, earthy flavor. The Hot Sauce and Red Pepper Flakes bring the heat, while Smoked Paprika adds a depth of smoky flavor. Apple Cider Vinegar provides a tangy finish, lifting the overall taste and balancing the richness. The additional Vegetable Oil helps in cooking, and a blend of Salt and Black Pepper rounds out the seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium-low heat.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking of the cabbage.
  • If your cabbage is quite large, consider cooking it in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes. For a lighter accompaniment, consider serving it with a fresh green salad. It also works well as a side for grilled chicken or pork chops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of smoked olive oil for that smoky flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use a different vinegar?
Absolutely, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can work as substitutes.

Spicy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. This should take about 7–10 minutes, depending on your stovetop. Once done, remove the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel, but keep those glorious drippings in the pan.

Add a bit of vegetable oil to the bacon drippings, then toss in your diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about five minutes until they’re soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. This step builds the base flavor, so take your time.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready by that wonderful garlic aroma filling your kitchen.

Now, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir it around to coat it with the oil and drippings. Let this cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You want the cabbage to start softening but still have a little bite.

Crumble the cooled bacon over the cabbage mixture. Then, sprinkle in the hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well so the cabbage can soak up all these flavors.

Finally, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the top and cook for another five minutes. This will help tenderize the cabbage and add a zesty finish. Serve it up hot and enjoy your spicy creation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • A delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
  • Great way to sneak in vegetables with a tasty twist.
  • Customizable spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

4 strips of bacon
1 head of cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
2. Add vegetable oil to the skillet with bacon drippings. Add onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and drippings. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Crumble the cooked bacon over the cabbage mixture.
6. Season with hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all flavors.
7. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

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