Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fried cabbage is quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes rich without needing much effort. The crispy browned bits add extra flavor and texture, making it perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cabbage
oil or butter
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
optional bacon, smoked sausage, or onions
Directions
Slice the cabbage into thin strips.
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the cabbage and cook, stirring often, until it starts to soften.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Let the cabbage sit without stirring for short intervals so the bottom can brown and crisp slightly.
Continue cooking until tender with crispy browned bits on top.
Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
Stir in smoked sausage to make it more filling.
Add sliced onions for sweetness.
Use butter for a richer taste.
Add crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the cabbage will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use green cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage works best for this recipe.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but it will have a slightly different flavor and color.
How do I get crispy browned bits?
Let the cabbage sit in the hot skillet without stirring too much.
Should I cover the skillet?
No, leaving it uncovered helps the cabbage brown better.
Can I add bacon?
Yes, bacon adds great smoky flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use oil or butter and skip any meat.
Why is my cabbage soggy?
It may have cooked too long or been stirred too often.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
What can I serve it with?
Serve it with chicken, pork, sausage, rice, or potatoes.
Can I freeze fried cabbage?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture can become too soft.
Conclusion
Fried cabbage with crispy browned bits is a simple, flavorful side dish that turns basic cabbage into something delicious. It is quick, affordable, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
PrintFried Cabbage with Crispy Browned Bits on Top
A simple and savory fried cabbage dish cooked until tender with delicious crispy browned edges. This budget-friendly recipe is full of comforting flavor and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: cooked bacon, smoked sausage, or sliced onions
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Allow the cabbage to sit undisturbed for short intervals to develop browned, crispy bits on the bottom.
- Continue cooking, alternating between stirring and letting it sit, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in smoked sausage to make it more filling.
- Add sliced onions for extra sweetness.
- Use butter instead of oil for a richer taste.
- Add crushed red pepper for heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness or microwave for a softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg