Southern Fried Cabbage

5 from 1 vote

This Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onions is the ultimate comfort side dish — smoky, savory, and slightly sweet with just the right kick of spice. Perfect for pairing with pork chops, chicken, or as a hearty addition to any weeknight dinner, this one-pan recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and will have your kitchen smelling incredible.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Matt Price

Equipment

Chef's Knife
Cutting Board
Large Skillet or Wok
Slotted Spoon
Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

1 head of cabbage cored and chopped
5-6 slices thick-cut bacon diced
1 onion diced
1 tablespoon garlic paste or 3 fresh cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base
½ packet Sazon seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt,pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Cut the cabbage in half, then into quarters. Remove the fibrous core, then chop the cabbage into medium-thick strips. Set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet or wok, cook 5–6 slices of thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Add 1 diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in 1 tablespoon garlic paste and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base, allowing it to dissolve into the onion mixture.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and toss well to coat with the bacon drippings and onion mixture.

Step 6: Season the Cabbage

Sprinkle in: ½ packet Sazon, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1–2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (to taste)
Toss until cabbage is evenly coated.

Step 7: Steam & Soften

Add 1 tablespoon butter, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage softens.

Step 8: Finish & Serve

Stir in the crispy bacon, 1–2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon white sugar.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to let the cabbage caramelize slightly.
Serve hot as a side dish with pork chops, chicken, or your favorite Southern meal.

Notes

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage

Use a sharp knife to cut cabbage evenly for consistent cooking.
Add sausage or beef bacon for a heartier twist.
Always taste at the end — between bacon, bouillon, and Sazon, you may not need much extra salt.
Increase heat at the end for a slight char that adds depth of flavor.

Serving Ideas

This fried cabbage pairs perfectly with:

- Golden fried pork chops
- Oven-roasted chicken thighs
- Cornbread and black-eyed peas for a classic Southern spread

Nutrition