There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s both simple and full of flavor, and this Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic definitely hits the mark. Whether you’re looking for a light, veggie-packed side dish or something to stand on its own as a meal, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. It takes the humble cabbage and elevates it with the rich, savory goodness of turkey bacon, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the fragrant depth of garlic.
Growing up, my family would always have a big pot of cabbage on the stove, seasoned just right and simmering away as we gathered for dinner. But this version is a bit different—it’s fried instead of boiled, giving it a crispy, golden edge while keeping a satisfying bite. Turkey bacon keeps it a bit lighter, but don’t worry—it still brings that smoky, savory richness we all love. If you’ve never tried it, I promise, it’s the perfect upgrade from your usual side dishes.
Let’s get into it! The best part is, it only takes a few simple ingredients, and you probably have most of them already in your kitchen. So, grab a skillet, and let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Cooking the Turkey Bacon
To start, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Chop up your turkey bacon into small pieces (about 4 slices will do), then toss them into the pan. As it cooks, you’ll want to give it some time—about 6 to 8 minutes should do the trick—until it becomes beautifully browned and slightly crispy.
Once it’s cooked to perfection, transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Don’t throw away those tasty drippings, though! Leave them in the skillet—they’re about to add a ton of flavor to your cabbage. If you notice there’s not much left in the pan, you can add a splash of olive oil to keep things going.
Step 2: Caramelizing the Onions
Now that you’ve got your turkey bacon all crisped up and out of the pan, it’s time to focus on the onions. Slice one large onion into thin strips and add it to the skillet. Turn the heat to medium, and stir the onions occasionally, letting them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn soft and golden brown, with a caramelized texture that brings out their natural sweetness.
As soon as the onions have reached that perfect caramelized stage, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir them in and let the garlic cook for another minute or two, just enough to release its fragrant aroma. The combination of the caramelized onions and garlic is going to create a delicious base for the cabbage.
Step 3: Adding the Cabbage
Now that your onions and garlic are ready, it’s time to bring in the cabbage. Take one large head of green cabbage and core it before slicing it into thin strips (about 8 cups worth). Toss the cabbage into the skillet, making sure to stir it around, coating it with the bacon drippings and caramelized onions.
Season the cabbage with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a subtle, smoky depth), and sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper to taste. You’ll want to cook this mixture for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch to it. The cabbage will soak up all those delicious flavors, and the smoky bacon drippings will give it an irresistible savory note.
Bringing It All Together – Adding Flavor and Serving the Fried Cabbage
Now that the cabbage has softened and taken on all those delicious flavors from the bacon, onions, and garlic, it’s time to give it that final touch that will really make it sing. The addition of vinegar and a quick toss with the turkey bacon will balance out the richness and bring everything together into a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
Step 4: Adding the Vinegar and Bacon Back In
Here’s where the magic happens. Drizzle in 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (you can also use white vinegar if you prefer a bit more brightness). Stir everything together well, allowing the tangy vinegar to mix with the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the richness of the bacon. The vinegar provides that perfect balance, cutting through the richness and adding a lovely zing to the dish.
Once you’ve added the vinegar and mixed it in, it’s time to return the crispy turkey bacon to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring that the bacon gets evenly distributed throughout the cabbage. At this point, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and you’ll want to give it a taste to check the seasoning. If you feel like it needs a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash more vinegar, feel free to adjust. The cabbage should taste vibrant, savory, and just a bit tangy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
The final step is probably the easiest (and the most satisfying) part—serving it up! You can enjoy this Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with your favorite main course. It’s a wonderful side to accompany grilled meats like chicken or pork, or even roasted potatoes if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
If you’re keeping things light, a bowl of this cabbage on its own is incredibly satisfying and packs a ton of flavor. The smokiness from the turkey bacon, the sweetness from the onions, the slight tang from the vinegar, and the savory goodness from the garlic all come together to make a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Tips for Perfecting Your Fried Cabbage
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat in your dishes, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika in Step 3. The heat will complement the smoky flavor of the bacon and the tang from the vinegar.
Add other veggies: While this recipe focuses on cabbage, you can easily incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable.
Use different types of vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is great for a mild tang, but if you like a bolder flavor, you can experiment with balsamic vinegar or even red wine vinegar. Each will bring a slightly different profile to the dish.
Make ahead: This cabbage dish actually holds up well for leftovers! It reheats nicely in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
FAQ and Final Thoughts – Everything You Need to Know About Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon
As you prepare to make this Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic, you may have a few questions along the way. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about this dish, along with a few additional tips to help you make it your own.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! If you’re not worried about keeping things a little lighter, regular bacon will work beautifully in this dish. It will give you a richer, more indulgent flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the bacon, as it may render fat a little differently than turkey bacon.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! One of the great things about this dish is that it reheats really well. If you have leftovers (or want to meal prep), store the cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes when you season the cabbage, or stir in a small amount of hot sauce at the end. If you prefer a more subtle heat, smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper can also give the dish a mild kick without overpowering the other flavors.
4. Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
While this dish is delicious with turkey bacon, it can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the bacon altogether. To make up for the savory depth that the bacon provides, you can use a splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos, or even try adding smoked paprika and a pinch of nutritional yeast to create a similarly satisfying flavor.
5. Can I use a different kind of cabbage?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or Savoy cabbage, though green cabbage is the most common and mild in flavor. Just keep in mind that red cabbage will add a slightly different color and flavor, and may take a bit longer to cook down.
6. What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This fried cabbage works wonderfully as a side dish for just about anything! It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, it’s great on its own or served alongside a small serving of roasted potatoes or rice.
7. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. It can also be microwaved if you’re in a hurry!
Conclusion
This Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is one of those dishes that’s not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it up as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tangy vinegar creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
The best part? You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your tastes, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings, vegetables, or types of bacon. It’s a forgiving dish that’s perfect for making it your own.
So, give it a try! I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own. Drop a comment below if you’ve made any fun changes or variations. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own spin, this fried cabbage will definitely be a meal to remember. Enjoy!
Print
Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic
Description
This Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together smoky, sweet, and tangy elements in one skillet. Perfect as a comforting side or a stand-alone dish, it makes use of simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The switch to turkey bacon lightens it up a bit without sacrificing that delicious savory depth.
Ingredients
4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for brightness)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until browned and slightly crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings (or add a little olive oil if the pan is dry) in the skillet.
2️⃣ Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 8–10 minutes until they are soft, golden, and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, stirring to coat in the bacon drippings and caramelized onions. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
4️⃣ Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and stir well to combine. This adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the bacon and sweetness from the onion. Return the turkey bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5️⃣ Serve warm, either as a delicious side to grilled meats or roasted potatoes, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter, veggie-forward meal.
Notes
The smoked paprika is optional but recommended for a subtle smoky note, especially since turkey bacon is a bit milder than traditional bacon. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully here too. This dish holds up well for leftovers and can easily be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
