Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is one of those simple, comforting side dishes that goes with just about everything. Tender cabbage, savory bacon, and lightly caramelized onions come together in one pan for an easy recipe that's big on flavor but minimal on effort.

It's perfect as a quick weeknight side, a holiday addition, or an easy way to make cabbage actually crave-worthy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Paste this:

• Simple ingredients you probably already have
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easy to customize with garlic, chili flakes, or vinegar
• Great side dish for pork, chicken, or roasted meats

About the Ingredients

• Cabbage: Green cabbage works best here. Slice it thin for faster cooking or roughly chop for more texture.
• Bacon: Adds saltiness and richness. Thick-cut bacon works great, but regular bacon is fine too.
• Onion: Yellow or sweet onion adds balance and light sweetness.
• Cooking Fat: Bacon fat, butter, or olive oil all work depending on what you have.

How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon (Step-by-Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, sliced or roughly chopped
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ cup onion
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil/fat of choice
• Salt and Pepper, as desired

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Add the onions and cook for another minute until they begin to soften.

Add the cooking fat if needed, followed by the cabbage.

Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly browned.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: Not recommended... cabbage becomes watery after freezing.

FAQ

Can I make this without bacon?
Yes! You can skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil instead.

What other seasonings work well?
Garlic, chili flakes, black pepper, or a splash of rice vinegar all work great.

Can I use red cabbage?
You can, but the texture will be slightly firmer and the color will bleed.

Continue to Content

Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is a simple, comforting side dish made with tender sautéed cabbage, savory bacon, and lightly caramelized onions. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s flavorful, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, sliced or roughly chopped
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup onion, sliced or diced
• 1 tablespoon cooking fat (bacon fat, butter, or olive oil)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the onions and cook for another minute until they begin to soften.
3. Add the cooking fat if needed, then add the cabbage.
4. Sauté for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly browned.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

• Thick-cut bacon adds extra richness, but regular bacon works well too.
• For extra flavor, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, or a splash of rice vinegar at the end.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Inch Open Skillet with Helper Handle, Black
• 
  McCormick Table Ground Black Pepper, 16 oz
• 
  The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt - Coarse 2.2 Lb / 1 Kilo - Pink Himalayan Salt is Nutrient and Mineral Dense for Health - Gourmet Pure Crystal - Kosher & Natural Certified
• 
  Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter - Unsalted 8.oz (2 pack)
• 
  ZOE Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 Liter Tin (Pack Of 2)

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 (about ¾–1 cup as a side)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 132mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 4g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.

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More Tasty Cabbage Recipes!

If you love simple cabbage dishes like this one, here are a few more delicious cabbage recipes to try:

Cabbage Stir Fry with Dried Shrimp - A classic Chinese-style cabbage stir fry with savory dried shrimp for extra umami.

Shrimp Cabbage Stir Fry - Juicy marinated shrimp and cabbage cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfect served with rice.

Pork Belly Cabbage Stir Fry - A quick and satisfying Chinese stir fry made with marinated pork belly and crisp cabbage.

Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn - Hand-torn cabbage stir-fried with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and soy sauce.

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