This Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion & Garlic is a savory side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The cabbage becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the turkey bacon, onions, and garlic. This dish offers a great balance of healthy ingredients with just the right amount of flavor to make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
-
6 slices turkey bacon
Turkey bacon is used here as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon but still provides a crispy and savory taste that complements the cabbage perfectly. You can also use regular bacon if preferred. -
1 large onion, diced
The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Sautéing it with the garlic ensures it softens and releases its natural sugars, enriching the overall taste. -
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds an aromatic and flavorful punch to the dish. It pairs beautifully with the bacon and onions. -
1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced
Cabbage is the main vegetable, providing a mild flavor and lots of nutrients like fiber and Vitamin C. When sautéed, cabbage becomes tender and soaks up all the delicious flavors. -
1 tablespoon salt
The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and bacon, but you can adjust to your taste. -
1 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a mild heat and sharpness that balances the dish. -
½ teaspoon onion powder
Onion powder deepens the savory flavor and enhances the overall seasoning. -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder complements the fresh garlic and adds a subtle layer of garlic flavor throughout the cabbage. -
⅛ teaspoon paprika
Paprika adds a hint of smokiness and color to the dish, giving it a warm, comforting flavor. -
⅓ cup water
The water helps to steam the cabbage and soften it as it cooks, creating a tender texture while mixing with the seasonings.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
- Cook the turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a skillet large enough to hold all the cabbage later.
- Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps to drain off any excess fat.
- After it cools slightly, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set the bacon aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it—keep all the flavors left from the bacon), add a small amount of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and softens.
- The onion will begin to release its natural sweetness, and the garlic will become fragrant—this will add a rich aroma to the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
- Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, and toss to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Cook the cabbage for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should begin to soften and shrink down in size as it releases its moisture.
- At this stage, the cabbage should still have some texture, but it will begin absorbing the flavors from the garlic, onion, and bacon.
Step 4: Add the Turkey Bacon & Seasonings
- Stir the crumbled turkey bacon into the cabbage mixture.
- Add the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything together to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Pour in the ⅓ cup of water, which will help create some steam and ensure the cabbage softens without burning. Stir well.
- Cover the skillet and cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender but not mushy, and the flavors should meld together.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Once the cabbage is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the heat.
- Serve hot, either as a side dish or a main dish alongside your favorite proteins.
Additional Tips & Variations
- Use regular bacon: If you’re not concerned about calories, regular bacon works just as well as turkey bacon and provides a richer flavor.
- Add vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can add a tangy kick to the dish. Add this in when you stir in the bacon and seasonings for a deeper flavor profile.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat. This adds a nice contrast to the smoky bacon flavor.
- Add other veggies: Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms to create a more colorful, veggie-packed dish.
- Cheese: Top the cabbage with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, for extra richness and flavor.
- Serving suggestion: This dish is fantastic when paired with roasted meats like chicken or pork. It also goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread to round out the meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
(Note: This is based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin A: 7%
- Vitamin C: 60%
- Calcium: 5%
- Iron: 8%
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a flavorful side with your favorite main dishes. Some great options include:
- Grilled Chicken: The savory, smoky flavor of turkey bacon pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
- Pork Chops: Tender pork chops with a side of this cabbage dish make for a well-rounded meal.
- Roast Beef: Pair with a juicy roast beef or pot roast for a comforting meal that will please everyone at the table.
- Cornbread or Biscuits: Serve with a side of homemade cornbread or warm biscuits to make the meal more filling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cabbage may change slightly after freezing. To freeze, let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
This Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion & Garlic is an easy-to-make, deliciously hearty side dish with smoky, savory flavors. It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table and pairs well with a variety of proteins!