Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to complement your meal, look no further than cooking cabbage in a skillet with bacon. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the smoky saltiness of bacon to create a dish that will have your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
To get started, you’ll need a head of cabbage, some thick-cut bacon, and a few basic pantry staples. Begin by slicing the bacon into small pieces and cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy and the fat has rendered. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced cabbage and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the cabbage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and begins to brown. This process will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you prefer your cabbage.
Preparation
Before you start cooking the cabbage and bacon in a skillet, it’s important to properly prepare the ingredients and gather the necessary tools. Follow these steps to ensure a successful and delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 4-6 slices of bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- A large skillet
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A spatula
- A pair of tongs
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and tools, you can begin preparing the cabbage and bacon in a skillet. Start by washing the head of cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the outer leaves that are wilted or discolored.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cabbage in half and then into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter by making a diagonal cut. After removing the core, thinly slice the cabbage into strips.
Next, take the bacon slices and cut them into small pieces. You can use kitchen scissors or a knife for this step. Set the bacon aside for later use.
Finally, dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. These will add flavor to the dish and complement the bacon and cabbage. Keep the diced onion and minced garlic separate from each other.
Now that you have prepared the cabbage, bacon, onion, and garlic, you are ready to start cooking the dish in a skillet. Follow the remaining steps in the recipe to achieve a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Steps
Follow these simple steps to cook cabbage in a skillet with bacon:
| Step 1 | Prepare the ingredients: |
| – 1 medium-sized cabbage | |
| – 4 slices of bacon | |
| – 1 onion, chopped | |
| – 2 cloves of garlic, minced | |
| – Salt and pepper to taste | |
| Step 2 | Cook the bacon: |
| – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. | |
| – Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. | |
| – Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. | |
| Step 3 | Cook the onion and garlic: |
| – In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. | |
| РSaut̩ the onion and garlic until they become fragrant and tender. | |
| Step 4 | Add the cabbage: |
| – Cut the cabbage into thin slices, removing the core. | |
| – Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. | |
| Step 5 | Cook the cabbage: |
| – Stir the cabbage to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. | |
| – Cover the skillet and cook the cabbage for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes tender. | |
| Step 6 | Add the bacon: |
| – Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cooked cabbage. | |
| Step 7 | Season and serve: |
| – Season the cabbage with salt and pepper to taste. | |
| – Serve the cabbage hot as a side dish or as a main course. |
Enjoy your delicious cabbage cooked in a skillet with bacon!
Serving and Enjoying
Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish!
You can serve the skillet cabbage with bacon as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Garnish and Seasoning
Before serving, you can garnish the cabbage with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of freshness and color to the dish. Additionally, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Seasoning the cooked cabbage with salt and pepper is important to enhance its taste. Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet cabbage with bacon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways:
- Serve it on top of a bed of white rice or quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal.
- Add it to tacos or burritos for a tasty and unique twist.
- Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, along with some creamy sauce or dressing.
- Enjoy it on its own as a healthy and flavorful vegetarian dish.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this skillet cabbage with bacon, one thing is for sure – it will be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making skillet cabbage with bacon:
1. Bacon Alternatives
If you don’t eat bacon or prefer a healthier option, you can substitute it with turkey bacon or even omit it altogether.
2. Seasonings
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavor of your cabbage. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor.
4. Adding Other Vegetables
If you want to add more vegetables to your skillet cabbage, you can toss in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots for added flavor and texture.
5. Serving Suggestions
Skillet cabbage with bacon can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a main course when paired with rice or quinoa. It also makes a delicious addition to omelettes or sandwiches.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. Feel free to customize this skillet cabbage dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to cook cabbage in a skillet with bacon?
The ingredients needed to cook cabbage in a skillet with bacon are: cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon if you prefer a healthier option or if you don’t eat pork.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon before adding the cabbage?
Yes, it is necessary to cook the bacon before adding the cabbage as it adds flavor and helps to render the fat, which will be used to cook the cabbage.
How long does it take to cook cabbage in a skillet with bacon?
The cooking time can vary depending on the desired texture of the cabbage. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook cabbage in a skillet with bacon until it is tender yet still has a slight crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet along with the cabbage?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the skillet along with the cabbage. Popular choices include carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked properly.
