Savory Delight: Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles Recipe

Looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal? Look no further than fried cabbage and egg noodles! This dish is a comfort food classic, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the cabbage caramelizes beautifully when fried, while the egg noodles provide a hearty and comforting base. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite seasonings and add-ins. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and egg noodles are inexpensive ingredients, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables, proteins, and sauces.
• Delicious: The caramelized cabbage and tender noodles create a satisfying and flavorful combination.
• Comfort Food: This dish evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 pound egg noodles
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Add-ins:
  • Cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
  • Carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
  • Bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Butter
  • Smoked paprika

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside. You can toss them with a little olive oil or butter to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage and Vegetables

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cabbage and other vegetables. Rinse the cabbage and remove any wilted outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and then thinly slice each quarter. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If you’re using any other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, prepare them as well by slicing or dicing them.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the cabbage with the onions and garlic. Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and caramelize. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. If the cabbage starts to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Cabbage

Once the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and coated with the cabbage and seasonings.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients and Seasonings

Now is the time to add any optional ingredients you’d like to use. If you’re adding cooked bacon or sausage, crumble it into the skillet. If you’re using soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, drizzle it over the mixture and toss to combine. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, soy sauce, or other seasonings to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the fried cabbage and egg noodles immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, if desired. This dish is delicious on its own or as a side dish to your favorite protein.

Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re using a smaller skillet, cook the cabbage in batches to ensure that it caramelizes properly. Overcrowding the pan will cause the cabbage to steam instead of fry.
• Use a high heat: Cooking the cabbage over medium-high heat will help it to caramelize more quickly. However, be careful not to burn the cabbage. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Deglaze the pan: If the cabbage starts to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to deglaze the pan. This will help to loosen any stuck-on bits and add flavor to the dish.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will become mushy when combined with the cabbage.
• Customize the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Some popular options include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Add some acidity: A splash of vinegar (apple cider, white wine, or even balsamic) towards the end of cooking brightens up the flavor and balances the sweetness of the cabbage.

Variations and Add-ins

One of the best things about this fried cabbage and egg noodles recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your own tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations and add-ins:

• Meat: Add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
• Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Sauce: Try adding a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a creamy sauce like sour cream or cream cheese.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or try other spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder.
• Cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Vegan: Make it vegan by using vegan egg noodles and omitting any meat or dairy products. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
• Spicy: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

Fried cabbage and egg noodles can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a main dish with a side salad or a crusty bread.
• Serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled steak.
• Serve it as a vegetarian main dish with a side of steamed vegetables.
• Top it with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
• Pack it for lunch in a thermos or container.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover fried cabbage and egg noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe Card

Savory Delight: Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles Recipe

A quick, easy, and budget-friendly dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized cabbage with the comforting texture of egg noodles.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 pound egg noodles
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Add-ins: Cooked bacon or sausage, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, butter, smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Add any optional ingredients and seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Per serving (based on 6 servings, without optional add-ins):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: 8-10g
• Fat: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fiber: 4-6g

Adding meat, cheese, or sauces will significantly increase the calorie, fat, and protein content.

Final Thoughts

Fried cabbage and egg noodles is a simple, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!