This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
You can throw together this shredded fried cabbage and bacon recipe is just 20 minutes for the perfect 4-ingredient side dish! This budget friendly, low carb recipe pairs with just about everything.
As a Southerner, I like to joke that I’ve got bacon grease in my blood. I’ve cooked fried cabbage more times than I can count, and I’m always happy when I can come up with simple little tricks to make it even easier and quicker to enjoy. After tons of testing and tweaking, I’ve figured out the absolute perfect way to make this wholesome side dish with a convenient bag of shredded cabbage you get from the store! You’ll have this 4-ingredient recipe on the table faster than expected, and I’m betting you won’t have a single bite of leftovers!
Why you will love this cabbage side dish:
- Budget Friendly – This side dish comes together with only four main ingredients, and each one is inexpensive and easy to find.
- Quick and Easy – You can have this fried cabbage on the table in about 20 minutes for a side dish perfect for busy weekdays! You also just need to sauté things, so this is great for beginner cooks.
- Pairs with Anything – We love this dish with chicken, pork chops, steak rolls, grilled shrimp… Leftovers are even amazing with fried eggs for breakfast! It’s a great recipe to bookmark for any meal.
Fried Cabbage Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you will need. Scroll to the printable recipe card for exact measurements.
- Cabbage – To make this super quick and easy, grab a bag of shredded lettuce from the produce section. You could also use a head of lettuce, you’ll just need to shred it first.
- Bacon – Use thick-cut bacon if you like chewier bites or thin bacon if you prefer a crispy crunch. Turkey bacon is a great way to lower the fat content if that’s important to you.
- Onion – Finely chopped. We used white onion, but yellow onion can add a nice sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon.
- Garlic powder, Salt, and Pepper – The garlic powder complements the veggies without being overbearing or adding more cooking time. Salt and pepper is only added to your preferred taste, so feel free to leave them off if you like.
How to Make Shredded Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This is a super easy recipe; all you need is a large skillet. Here’s a step-by-step guide so you can make it perfectly every time!
- Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it’s nice and crispy. Remove the bacon (a slotted spoon works great) and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pan.
- Pour in your chopped onions and sauté until softened (stir occasionally so nothing sticks too bad). After about 3 minutes, pour in your shredded cabbage.
- Stir the cabbage occasionally, cooking for 10-15 minutes. Some people like it crunchier and some like it more softened, so cook it to your preferred texture.
- Sprinkle the fried cabbage with garlic powder, then add salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the bacon and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Fried Cabbage
This easy side dish is fantastic with so many different meats and main courses! We love it with Cajun chicken thighs, juicy steak tips, or smoky pork tenderloin. To stretch the meal further, serve with veggies like crispy baby potatoes, keto jalapeno poppers, or breaded zucchini.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Allow the cabbage to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring frequently to prevent bits and pieces from sticking to the bottom.
Fried Cabbage FAQ’s
Technically yes, you can freeze fried cabbage with bacon. However, the cabbage softens up a lot during the freezing and thawing process, so you may not enjoy it as much the second time.
Fried cabbage is great with or without bacon! You could use a commercial vegetarian bacon substitute, or leave it out entirely. Without the bacon, you will need a neutral cooking oil (like avocado oil, olive oil, etc.) to cook the onion.
No, you can use a head of cabbage is that’s what you have. Using a bag of shredded cabbage makes this extra quick because 1.) you avoid the need to chop/shred it, and 2.) finely shredded cabbage cooks faster than larger pieces of cabbage. If you have a head of cabbage, feel free to cut that into 1-inch pieces (will take a couple minutes longer to cook) or shred it.
More Popular Recipes:
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
- Homemade Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
- Air Fryer Okra
Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 10-ounce bag finely shredded cabbage , (roughly half a medium head of cabbage)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until crisp. Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (enough to just cover the bottom of the skillet) in the pan, discarding the rest.
- Add the onion to the skillet and saute until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the cabbage to the skillet. You may need to add a bit at a time if it is too much for your pan. Remember it will shrink a ton. Stir the cabbage occasionally for 10-15 minutes depending on your desired consistency.
- Before serving sprinkle with the garlic powder, add salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the bacon and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi, I’m Maggie! After obtaining a Master of Education degree in 2020, I decided to combine my love of teaching with my passion for food. Cooking good food feeds our bodies and souls, but it also helps give us a confidence that empowers us far beyond the kitchen. I hope to share my knowledge and experience to help cooks of all levels create delicious meals, snacks, and desserts for everyone they love!
