Cabbage often takes a backseat in the kitchen, but when combined with crispy bacon and vibrant spices, it transforms into a dish that’s hard to forget. If you’re searching for a savory side or a standout main course, this fried bacon cabbage recipe is perfect for you. It is surprisingly easy to make and packs a flavor punch that will impress everyone around your dinner table.
Why Fried Bacon Cabbage?
Few dishes deliver comfort like bacon and tender cabbage. The smokiness of crispy bacon melds effortlessly with the natural sweetness of cabbage, creating a delightful balance. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or having friends over for a casual meal, this dish fits right in. In fact, a serving provides over 3 grams of fiber, which helps you feel full while sneaking in some veggies into your diet.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather the following ingredients for your cooking adventure:
2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 large head of cabbage (about 2 to 3 pounds)
1 package of bacon (about 12 ounces)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that your bacon turns out perfectly crispy, adding a crunchy texture to your cabbage.
Cook the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until crispy. Keep an eye on it, as bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly. If you're using thick-cut bacon, you might want to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Prepare Your Skillet
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the oven and set it aside on a paper towel to cool. Carefully pour about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Using the rendered fat will infuse your cabbage with delicious bacon flavor.
Chop the Cabbage
While your skillet heats, wash the cabbage thoroughly and pat it dry. Chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. For example, aim for pieces about an inch wide. This size will help the cabbage cook evenly and become tender.
Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the hot skillet with the bacon grease. Season it well by tossing in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Make sure all the cabbage pieces are well coated in the spices for maximum flavor.
Fry the Cabbage
Let the cabbage fry for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking. As it cooks, the cabbage will soften and take on a golden color, absorbing all the tasty flavors from the spices.
Add the Bacon
When the cabbage is tender, crumble the crispy bacon into the skillet. Stir well, making sure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage. This is the moment when the flavors meld beautifully!
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is mixed together, serve the fried bacon cabbage warm. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course, prepare for the compliments to flow.
Customization Options
This dish is incredibly flexible! Consider adding:
A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
Colorful veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
Extra seasonings like chili flakes or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Feel free to get creative while keeping the essential elements!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still adds great flavor to the dish, though cooking times might vary slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked tofu, or simply omit it for a satisfying vegetarian dish featuring rich seasonings.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again.
Savoring the Experience
This fried bacon cabbage recipe offers not only delicious flavors but also an opportunity to gather and enjoy the moment. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this dish is straightforward and rewarding.
Make it a point to add this recipe to your meal planning. Your taste buds deserve this tasty treat!
So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Uncover the secret to this scrumptious fried bacon cabbage and elevate your next meal to new heights. Enjoy!
Fried Bacon Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 package of bacon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon on a baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
3. Prepare the Skillet: Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven. Transfer a small amount of the bacon grease to a large skillet and heat it on medium.
4. Prepare the Cabbage: While the skillet is heating, wash and pat dry the cabbage. Chop the cabbage into small pieces.
5. Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the hot skillet. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Stir well.
6. Fry the Cabbage: Fry the cabbage for about 15 minutes, or until it becomes soft and flavorful. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Add Bacon: Once the cabbage is tender, crumble the cooked bacon into the skillet and mix well.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fried bacon cabbage warm and enjoy!
Feel free to modify the seasonings to suit your taste!
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