Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

Cabbage: A fresh head of cabbage is the star of this dish, providing a tender and slightly sweet base.

Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.

Onion: Provides a savory depth and sweetness when cooked until translucent.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Paprika: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness.

When cooking the bacon, make sure to do so over medium heat to render out the fat slowly, which will result in crispier pieces. This bacon grease will then be used to cook the onion and cabbage, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to the entire dish.

• chopped cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can hold up well to frying, providing a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

• chopped bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor, making it a healthier alternative.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can add a different depth of flavor to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will have a slightly less intense flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle complexity to the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that complements the other ingredients well, enhancing the overall flavor.

• Allow the Southern fried cabbage to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled cabbage into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The fried cabbage will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the cooled cabbage in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the cabbage in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If the cabbage seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a small amount of butter to restore moisture.
• Enjoy your reheated Southern fried cabbage as a quick and delicious side dish!

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
  5. If the cabbage seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals if needed until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Southern Fried Cabbage to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 2-minute intervals if needed until hot.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for frying and sautéing ingredients. Essential for cooking the bacon and cabbage evenly.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the bacon and mixing the cabbage without damaging the ingredients.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping the cabbage, onion, and bacon.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for efficiently chopping the cabbage, onion, and bacon.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, and paprika accurately.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the skillet without scratching it.

• Garlic press: A tool to easily mince the garlic cloves.

• Paper towels: Useful for draining the bacon after it’s cooked to remove excess grease.

• Bowl: To set aside the cooked bacon before adding it back to the dish.

• Spatula: Helpful for scraping the bottom of the skillet and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the cabbage, bacon, and onion in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

Cook bacon in batches: Cook the bacon in larger batches and store the extra in the fridge for future use.

One-pan method: Use a large skillet to cook everything in one go, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

Quick seasoning: Measure out the salt, black pepper, and paprika beforehand to streamline the cooking process.