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cranberry and brie appetizers

Easy Fried Cabbage

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This Easy Fried Cabbage is the perfect savory side for any meal, made with crispy bacon, tender green cabbage, and a touch of sweetness. The dish comes together in one pan for simple prep and cleanup, with smoky paprika and caramelized onions making every bite irresistible. It's classic comfort food that's ready in just about 20 minutes, ideal for weeknights or entertaining.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1/3 cup yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 head green cabbage roughly chopped or shredded
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet. Sauté, stirring every so often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped or shredded cabbage. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring now and then, until the cabbage softens and becomes tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  4. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and mix it thoroughly with the cabbage and onions. Serve hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, you can leave out the bacon and use olive oil, though the flavor will change. The recipe is easily doubled or tripled for a crowd, and leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain the best texture. Serve as a side dish with meats or enjoy on its own for a quick lunch. Feel free to experiment with different types of cabbage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat.

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