Transform humble cabbage into a savory, soul-warming dish with this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe. Pan-fried with crispy bacon and tender onions, each bite bursts with rich, smoky flavor. Butter adds a velvety touch, while a hint of brown sugar balances the earthy cabbage and aromatic garlic. The addition of Dijon mustard brings a tangy depth, elevating the flavors with a touch of sharpness and complexity. This quick and easy side is a hearty classic that pairs beautifully with almost any main course or shines as a stand-alone comfort food. A simple, satisfying dish that brings Southern charm—and a tangy twist—straight to your table!
– Thick Sliced Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture that forms the base of the dish. – Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor as it caramelizes while cooking. – Garlic: Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic kick. – Butter: Contributes a creamy, velvety finish to enhance the dish’s richness. – Green Cabbage: The star of the dish; it becomes tender yet slightly crisp, absorbing the other flavors beautifully. – Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy, sharp element that balances and brightens the savory and sweet notes. – Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and balances the tangy mustard.
Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions: – Thick Sliced Bacon:Pork-Free: Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for similar smoky flavor. Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium bacon to reduce salt content. – Butter:Dairy-Free: Swap with dairy-free butter or use olive oil, ghee (if not strictly vegan), or coconut oil. Lactose-Free: Use a lactose-free butter option. – Green Cabbage:Generally allergy-friendly; can substitute with red cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. – Dijon Mustard:Mustard Allergy: Omit or use a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to maintain tanginess without mustard. Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten as a stabilizer). – Brown Sugar:Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or a sugar-free brown sugar replacement. Paleo: Opt for coconut sugar as a paleo-friendly sweetener.
– Bacon Fat for Flavor: Allow the bacon to render its fat fully in the pan before adding other ingredients. This step ensures maximum smoky flavor throughout the dish and provides a delicious cooking fat for the cabbage and onions. – Brown Sugar Balancing Act: The addition of brown sugar not only balances the acidity of the Dijon mustard but also helps the cabbage to caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness and creating beautifully browned edges. – Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: For the perfect texture, cook the cabbage until just tender with a slight bite, avoiding overcooking, which can make it soggy. Aim for a balance of tenderness and a hint of crispness. – Deglaze for Extra Flavor: If you notice browned bits on the bottom of the pan, you can deglaze with a small splash of water or broth. This adds depth of flavor and ensures you don’t miss out on any tasty browned bits. – Adjust Seasoning Last: The saltiness of the bacon can vary, so taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or more mustard) once everything is cooked to prevent an overly salty dish.
– Cook the Bacon: Add chopped bacon to a large deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. – Sauté the Onions: Add diced onions to the pan and stir to incorporate with the bacon grease. Cook for 4-6 minutes, until the onions are tender. – Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
– Cook the Cabbage: Add butter, sliced cabbage, and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the butter and seasonings. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. – Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and cooked bacon back to the pan. Stir to combine, and continue cooking for 6-9 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized. – Adjust Seasonings: Taste and add more salt, pepper, mustard, or brown sugar as needed to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Serve warm.