Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to spice up your weeknight meals with this Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage. With smoky bacon and a kick of cayenne, this dish is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy humble cabbage in a whole new light. Perfect for a side dish or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients for Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage

The star of this dish is cabbage. It brings a subtle crunch and becomes tender when cooked just right. Then there's bacon, which adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish. Onions and garlic form an aromatic base, while the red bell pepper adds a pop of color and slight sweetness. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper introduce warmth and a hint of heat, while a splash of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness. Finally, fresh parsley finishes it off with a burst of freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a large skillet to give the cabbage room to cook evenly without steaming too much.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the cabbage from sticking to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a vegetarian option, serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It’s also great alongside cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage will work, but it may alter the taste slightly and add a vibrant color to your dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing the cabbage into thin strips. You want these to be about the width of a pencil, which helps them cook evenly. Set them aside for now.

Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and crumble it, but keep those delicious drippings in the pan — they’re going to flavor the whole dish.

Add a little olive oil and butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir them around until the onion is translucent and everything smells amazing, which should take about 5 minutes.

Now, add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Give it a good stir to mix with the onion and pepper. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the cabbage, stirring well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook until it’s tender but still has a slight crunch. This should take about 10 minutes; make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar and crumble the bacon back into the cabbage mixture. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Packed with bold, smoky flavors.
  • A unique twist on traditional cabbage dishes.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

1 medium head of green cabbage
4 strips of bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice the cabbage into thin strips and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Add olive oil and butter to the skillet and heat until butter is melted.
4. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in the skillet until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine.
6. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the cabbage. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
7. Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in apple cider vinegar and crumble bacon into the cabbage mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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