Fabulous Fried Cabbage: A Simple Recipe for Deliciousness
Fried cabbage might not sound glamorous, but trust me, it’s a surprisingly delicious and versatile dish. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and techniques to create perfectly caramelized, slightly sweet, and savory fried cabbage that will have you coming back for more. Forget any preconceived notions you might have – this isn’t your grandma’s bland boiled cabbage! This is a fabulous, flavorful side dish (or even a light meal) that you’ll want to make again and again.
## Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe
* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, making this a very affordable meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking with different seasonings, vegetables, and protein additions.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Healthy-ish:** Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable packed with vitamins and fiber. While frying isn’t the healthiest cooking method, this recipe uses a moderate amount of oil.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), green or savoy:** Green cabbage is the most common and readily available, but savoy cabbage has a slightly milder and sweeter flavor. Napa cabbage is *not* recommended as it’s too delicate for frying.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil):** Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but vegetable oil works just as well. You can also use bacon grease for extra flavor.
* **1 medium onion, thinly sliced:** Yellow or white onions work best. Red onions can be used, but they may impart a slightly stronger flavor and color.
* **2-3 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic is always best.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste):** Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste):** Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
* **1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar):** The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor.
* **1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional):** If you like a sweeter cabbage, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. You can also use granulated sugar or maple syrup.
* **Optional additions:** Cooked bacon or sausage, caraway seeds, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Cabbage:**
* Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they are damaged or wilted.
* Cut the cabbage in half through the core.
* Place the cut side down on a cutting board and slice the cabbage into thin shreds, about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for this. Make sure to remove the hard core.
* Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
2. **Prepare the Onion and Garlic:**
* Peel and thinly slice the onion.
* Peel and mince the garlic.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let the onions brown too much, or they may become bitter.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
4. **Add the Cabbage:**
* Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Stir well to combine everything.
5. **Cook the Cabbage:**
* Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to wilt and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
* Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of cabbage and your desired level of tenderness.
* If the cabbage starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
6. **Add the Vinegar and Brown Sugar (Optional):**
* Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (if using).
* Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vinegar is absorbed and the cabbage is evenly coated with the sugar.
7. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**
* Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, vinegar, or sugar, depending on your preference.
8. **Serve:**
* Serve the fried cabbage hot as a side dish or as a light meal.
## Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you’re using a smaller skillet, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the cabbage to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
* **Use a large skillet or Dutch oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven will provide enough surface area for the cabbage to caramelize properly.
* **Don’t be afraid to let the cabbage brown:** The browning process is what gives the fried cabbage its characteristic flavor. However, be careful not to burn the cabbage.
* **Adjust the cooking time to your liking:** The cooking time will vary depending on the type of cabbage and your desired level of tenderness. If you prefer a softer cabbage, cook it for a longer period of time. If you prefer a crisper cabbage, cook it for a shorter period of time.
* **Add a little water or broth if needed:** If the cabbage starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan. This will also help to prevent the cabbage from burning.
* **Experiment with different seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Some popular additions include caraway seeds, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
* **Use bacon grease for extra flavor:** If you want to add even more flavor to your fried cabbage, use bacon grease instead of olive oil or vegetable oil.
* **Add cooked bacon or sausage:** Cooked bacon or sausage can be added to the fried cabbage for a heartier meal. Simply chop the bacon or sausage and add it to the skillet along with the cabbage.
* **Deglaze the pan with beer or wine:** For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of beer or wine after cooking the onions and garlic.
## Variations and Additions
* **Fried Cabbage with Bacon:** Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. Crumble the bacon and add it back to the skillet along with the cabbage.
* **Fried Cabbage with Sausage:** Brown 1 pound of sausage in the skillet. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Slice the sausage and add it back to the skillet along with the cabbage.
* **Fried Cabbage with Apples:** Add 1 diced apple to the skillet along with the cabbage. The apples will add a touch of sweetness and a nice texture.
* **Fried Cabbage with Potatoes:** Add 1-2 diced potatoes to the skillet along with the cabbage. The potatoes will add substance to the dish and make it a more filling meal.
* **Fried Cabbage with Carrots:** Add 1-2 shredded carrots to the skillet along with the cabbage. The carrots will add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
* **Spicy Fried Cabbage:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the cabbage.
* **Fried Cabbage with Caraway Seeds:** Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the skillet along with the cabbage. Caraway seeds add a distinct flavor that pairs well with cabbage.
* **Fried Cabbage with Worcestershire Sauce:** Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the skillet along with the vinegar.
* **Fried Cabbage with Soy Sauce:** Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the skillet along with the vinegar.
* **Fried Cabbage with Dill:** Sprinkle fresh dill over the finished dish before serving.
* **Vegan Fried Cabbage:** Omit the bacon or sausage. Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of bacon grease. Ensure your sugar is vegan (some processed sugars use bone char). Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Fried cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **With pork chops:** Fried cabbage is a classic pairing with pork chops.
* **With sausages:** Fried cabbage and sausages are a match made in heaven.
* **With corned beef:** Fried cabbage is a traditional accompaniment to corned beef.
* **With roasted chicken:** Fried cabbage adds a nice touch of flavor and texture to roasted chicken.
* **With grilled steak:** Fried cabbage is a surprisingly delicious side dish for grilled steak.
* **As a topping for potatoes:** Top baked or mashed potatoes with fried cabbage for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
* **In tacos or wraps:** Use fried cabbage as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **As a side dish for breakfast:** Serve fried cabbage alongside eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
* **With pierogi:** Fried cabbage makes an excellent addition to pierogi.
## Make Ahead and Storage
**Make Ahead:**
* You can shred the cabbage and slice the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook the dish.
**Storage:**
* Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Reheating:**
* Reheat fried cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*
* Calories: 150-200 per serving
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
* Cholesterol: 0 mg
* Sodium: 300-400 mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
* Fiber: 4-5 grams
* Sugar: 5-8 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use frozen cabbage?** While fresh cabbage is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, frozen cabbage can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before cooking.
* **Can I use a different type of cabbage?** Green cabbage and savoy cabbage are the best choices for frying. Red cabbage can be used, but it may impart a slightly stronger flavor and color. Napa cabbage is not recommended.
* **How do I prevent the cabbage from sticking to the pan?** Use a non-stick skillet or Dutch oven. Be sure to heat the oil properly before adding the cabbage. Stir the cabbage frequently and add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if needed to deglaze the pan.
* **How do I make vegan fried cabbage?** Omit the bacon or sausage. Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of bacon grease. Ensure your sugar is vegan (some processed sugars use bone char). Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Can I add other vegetables?** Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, apples, or bell peppers.
* **Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?** While frying yields the best caramelized results, you *can* adapt this for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add them to the slow cooker with the cabbage, salt, pepper, vinegar, and brown sugar. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cabbage is tender. The cabbage won’t caramelize as much, but it will still be flavorful.
## Conclusion
Fried cabbage is a simple, affordable, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create perfectly caramelized, slightly sweet, and savory fried cabbage that will have you coming back for more. So, give this recipe a try and discover the fabulousness of fried cabbage!