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Crispy Cabbage and Bacon Skillet

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A quick and easy skillet recipe combining crispy cabbage and smoky bacon for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Remove the core from the cabbage and slice it thinly into ¼-inch thick half-moon shapes. Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This prep should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold large cast iron skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook slowly, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet, draining excess if needed.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the reserved bacon fat in the skillet. Cook sliced onions over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the cabbage: Increase heat to medium-high and add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir to combine. Spread cabbage evenly and cook without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a crisp bottom. Stir and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 7 to 8 minutes until cabbage is tender and browned in spots.
  5. Finish with vinegar and bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the cabbage. Drizzle apple cider vinegar on top and stir well to combine. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure cabbage crisps properly. Let cabbage sit undisturbed early on to develop caramelized edges. Drain excess water if cabbage releases too much moisture to avoid sogginess. Start cooking bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly and get crisp slices. The smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth. Use apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten flavors. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage, bacon, skillet, crispy cabbage, easy dinner, hearty meal, quick recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-cabbage-and-bacon-skillet-recipe-easy-savory-hearty-meal/