EASY FRIED CABBAGE: A Comforting Dish to Bring Your Family Together
There’s something magical about the aroma of EASY FRIED CABBAGE wafting through your kitchen on a cozy evening. It evokes memories of family dinners, laughter around the table, and the warmth of togetherness. Imagine a chilly day when comfort food is all you crave, and a simple, quick dinner idea pops into your mind. This dish not only tickles your taste buds but also wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia, reminding you of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy option to accompany your favorite protein or a family favorite that’s sure to please both the young and the young-at-heart, this easy recipe ticks all the boxes. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a plate of warm, crispy cabbage ready to nourish your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of sautéed cabbage with garlic and onion creates a savory delight that feels like a warm hug.
- Quick to Prepare: In less time than it takes to order takeout, you can whip up this tasty dish—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with meat, serve it on its own, or enjoy it atop rice for a complete meal.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Cabbage is packed with nutrients, making this dish not just delicious but good for you too.
- Family Favorite: It’s easy to make, and even easier to share, making it a staple in family gatherings and casual dinners alike.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage: 1 medium-sized head, chopped. The star of the dish, this vegetable adds a wonderful crunch and lightness.
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced thinly. Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. A must-have for a flavor punch.
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons. For sautéing, providing healthy fats.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Essential basic seasonings that elevate the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat, if desired.
- Vegetable broth (or water): ¼ cup, for steaming. This adds moisture while cooking.
- Bacon (optional): ¼ cup, diced and cooked. Adds a savory, indulgent twist.
Substitutions: You can use purple cabbage for a pop of color or swap in any preferred cooking oil. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy this comforting meal at home, much faster than waiting for takeout.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon if you’re using it and cook until crispy, around 5 minutes. Remove it and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- To the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
- Add the minced garlic to the onions, cooking for another minute until it’s aromatic.
- Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and cover the skillet. Let it steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cabbage is tender yet still slightly crisp, remove the lid and stir in the cooked bacon if you’ve prepared it. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve warm and watch your loved ones dig in!
Tips and Variations
- For a festive meal, add some sautéed apples for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the savory cabbage.
- Try adding other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- For a healthy option, skip the bacon entirely and use a splash of apple cider vinegar for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Why not create a cozy meal by pairing your EASY FRIED CABBAGE with roasted chicken or grilled sausages? Serve it alongside a crispy salad and a glass of chilled white wine for an effortless dinner that feels special. Picture yourself enjoying this hearty dish after a long day’s work, savoring every bite as laughter fills the air. It’s great for family gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner, bringing everyone together around the table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked cabbage in portions for a quick meal later on—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Don’t rush the sauté: Allow your onions to caramelize for richer flavor.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning based on your preferences for a personalized touch.
- Cabbage cuts matter: The size of your cabbage pieces will affect cooking time—ensure they’re uniform for even cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cabbage the night before and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
2. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well, making it a perfect healthy addition when preparing meals for the week ahead.
4. Can I make it vegan?
Certainly! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a completely vegan-friendly dish.
5. What should I serve with fried cabbage?
It pairs beautifully with meats, but it’s also delightful on its own or topped on rice or quinoa.
Conclusion
EASY FRIED CABBAGE isn’t just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to your table and love to your heart. It’s a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something beautiful and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this recipe is destined to become part of your cherished traditions. So go ahead, give it a try, share it with family and friends, and create your own delicious memories!
Contents
Easy Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized head Green cabbage, chopped The star of the dish, adds crunch and lightness.
- 1 medium Onion, sliced thinly Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced A must-have for added flavor.
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing, provides healthy fats.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential seasonings.
- ¼ cup Vegetable broth (or water) For steaming and adding moisture.
- ¼ cup Bacon, diced and cooked (optional) Adds indulgent flavor.
- to taste Red pepper flakes (optional) For a bit of heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the cabbage thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using bacon, add and cook until crispy, around 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute until aromatic.
Cooking
- Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and cover the skillet. Let it steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cabbage is tender yet slightly crisp, remove the lid and stir in the cooked bacon. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy with family.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest