Delicious Southern-Style Cabbage Recipe for Your Next Meal
My friend, there’s nothing quite like a good Southern-style cabbage recipe. The balance of tender cabbage and savory bacon is just perfect. I’m excited to share this recipe with you today, because it’s hands down one of my favorites.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen, or you’re just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your guests. Picture this: tender green cabbage simmered slowly in a blend of unsalted butter and olive oil, with bits of crispy bacon and onion diced to perfection.
You’ll be blown away by the depth of flavor that comes through in each bite. There’s just something special about a well-executed Southern-style cabbage recipe that makes it the ultimate comfort food.
Trust me, if you’re looking for a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing and your tummy happy, look no further than this Southern-style cabbage recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern style cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and this cabbage recipe is no exception. From the sizzling bacon to the tender cabbage, every bite is a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is that it’s easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that will wow your family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice cook, this recipe is perfect for you.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish for your favorite protein, or you can enjoy it as a main course. The savory flavors of bacon and onion combined with the cabbage create a balanced and satisfying meal.
The crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor to the dish, while the cabbage brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the saltiness of the bacon. It’s an irresistible combination that will keep you coming back for more.
This southern fried cabbage recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. The green cabbage packed with vitamins and antioxidants provides essential nutrients to your body, while the bacon gives it a boost of protein. When paired with your favorite protein, this dish creates a wholesome and fulfilling meal that everyone will love.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make, delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that will impress everyone at the dinner table, then this southern style cabbage recipe is perfect for you. So grab your apron and head to your kitchen to whip up this irresistible cabbage recipe today!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by making sure we have all the ingredients ready for this Southern Style Cabbage Recipe. You will need the following:
- 1 head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 6 strips bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Note: You can adjust the quantities according to your taste preference, but these measurements are perfect for a small or medium-sized pot.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Here are the detailed instructions for creating the perfect Southern-Style Cabbage dish:
Ingredients:
- strips of bacon (6)
- head of green cabbage (1)
- small onion, diced (1)
- unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
- olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon)
- garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- chicken broth (1 cup)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet and heat it up.
- Add diced onions to the skillet and stir occasionally until transparent, for about 5 minutes.
- Then add chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir thoroughly until it starts to wilt—which should take roughly around 2 minutes.
- Once you’ve stirred the cabbage well, mix in cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle chicken broth over mixture.
- Toss ingredients together well combining all of them together.
- Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so flavors can meld; cover with a lid.
- Remove lid from your pot/skillet now and then check tenderness of your Southern-style cabbage once in a while; stir occasionally
- Plate your delicious dish in bowls or plates, sprinkle crispy cooked bacon across the top of each serving.*
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Follow these directions carefully and you’ll have an amazing Southern-style cabbage that will leave you craving more!
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Instead of green cabbage, you can use red cabbage for a pop of colour or Napa cabbage for a subtler flavour.
– For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon and use olive oil instead. You could also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavour.
– If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even just water.
– Try adding some spices to the dish, such as cumin or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
– For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking.
Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and there are no rules when it comes to cooking. Feel free to get creative and make substitutions based on your preferences or what ingredients you have available.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern Fried Cabbage is hot and ready to be served, it’s time to talk about what to pair it with. This is a dish that has the power to steal the spotlight of any meal, so you want to make sure you’re serving it alongside complementary flavors.
My recommendation? Serve this Southern gem as a side dish with some juicy grilled chicken or pulled pork for a truly delicious combination. The savory flavors of your meat will enhance the rich taste of the cabbage and bacon flavors.
But don’t feel like you have to limit this recipe just to meats. It can also make an excellent side dish for baked beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. You can even eat it on its own if you so desire!
To take the experience even further, pair this Southern Fried Cabbage with a glass of iced sweet tea or indulge in some banana pudding for dessert after a hearty meal. Trust me; it’s all going to taste heavenly.
Now that you know how versatile this dish can be when serving and pairing, let your imagination run while crafting your menu. Your family and guests are in for a real treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this Southern Style Cabbage Recipe is that it is not only delicious when freshly made, but it can also be made in advance and stored for later. In fact, some people even argue that the flavors develop even more fully after being refrigerated and reheated.
To make the most of your meal prep, I recommend making a double batch of this recipe and storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
If you plan on storing the cabbage for longer than 5 days, I suggest freezing it instead. To freeze, transfer the cooled cabbage to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the cabbage to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen cabbage, I recommend using a stovetop method rather than microwaving it as this will produce more consistent results. Simply heat a few tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the thawed cabbage to the pan and cook until heated through.
Overall, this Southern Style Cabbage Recipe is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a make-ahead dish that can be reheated quickly and easily for future meals. Just be sure to store leftovers properly to ensure maximum freshness and flavor retention.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to cook the best southern fried cabbage, here are some tips to help you achieve a perfect outcome:
1. Cook the bacon first – cooking bacon first and using the leftover grease to sauté onions and cabbage enhances the taste of the dish.
2. Don’t overcook the cabbage – be mindful not to overcook the cabbage as it may become too soft, losing its color and flavors. To avoid this, ensure the cabbage is tender about 10 minutes after adding it to the pot while stirring occasionally.
3. Add some seasoning – Adding cajun seasoning and garlic powder can help give your cabbage recipe a Southern-style flavor that your taste buds will appreciate.
4. Control the heat – Controlling the heat and timing when cooking is key. Using medium heat for the butter and olive oil before adding onions or cabbage is important in getting an even cook.
5. Use large pot or Dutch oven – When cooking a large volume of cabbage, a large pot or Dutch oven is suitable for ensuring that heat will be evenly distributed.
6. Take advantage of the baking soda – Baking soda helps turn more cabbage juice into steam, giving your fried cabbage a crisp texture.
By following these simple yet effective tips, your easy fried cabbage dish will come out fabulous every time!
FAQ
Before you start cooking this delicious Southern Style Cabbage recipe, let me answer some questions that you may have. In this section, I will address the most common questions and concerns about this recipe to make sure that you can cook it perfectly at home. So, let’s dive into the Frequently Asked Questions!
How do you make Patti Labelle cabbage?
Alright, let’s get the ball rollin’. Grab a large pot and put it on medium-high heat. Pour in some grapeseed oil and let it heat up for a bit. Now, dice up some onions and bell peppers and add them to the pot along with sliced cabbage. Pour in some stock and sprinkle some sea salt, seasoning salt, black pepper and cayenne over the veggies. Give it a good stir and cover the pot. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
What does baking soda do to cabbage?
When adding vinegar to cabbage juice, the liquid turns a shade of red because vinegar is considered an acid due to the presence of acetic acid. In contrast, adding baking soda to cabbage juice will give it a greenish-yellow hue because baking soda acts as a base with the presence of sodium bicarbonate.
Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it?
Preserving the gorgeous purple hue of red cabbage requires adding a dash of vinegar to the dish. Without it, the cabbage will take on a blue tint instead.
Bottom Line
With this Southern Style Cabbage recipe, you’ll never look at cabbage the same way again! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect as a side dish or main course.
I encourage you to add your own personal touch to the recipe and experiment with different variations and substitutions. You can even impress your guests by pairing it with other Southern classics like cornbread, fried chicken, or black-eyed peas.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get cooking.
Thank you for reading and allowing me to share my love for Southern cuisine with you. I hope that this recipe becomes a beloved addition to your home-cooked meals, just like it has in mine.
Southern Style Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1 head green cabbage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown bacon in a dutch oven or large pan until crisp.
- Remove bacon and set aside to drain and cool.
- Place sliced onion in pan and top with cabbage and crumbled bacon.
- Cover and cook over medium to medium high heat until done to your likeing.
- Salt and pepper to taste.