Grandma's Fried Cabbage (with a Kick!)
Craving proper fried cabbage? My Grandma's recipe is a classic, now with a spicy twist! Easy, comforting, and budget-friendly. Check it out!
Alright, let's get started! This is gonna be wicked.
Recipe Introduction: Grandma's Fried Cabbage (with a kick!)
Ever rummage through old family recipes? honestly, some are gold. this fried cabbage recipe is one of 'em! it's like a warm hug from grandma, but with a cheeky little chilli flake thrown in for good measure.
Grandma's fried cabbage was always a staple. born from simple peasant origins, fried cabbage dishes are found in many cultures and are a good example of cabbage recipes healthy can be.
My version is easy, taking about 40 minutes from start to finish, and makes 4 generous servings.
A Cabbage Stir Fry with Soul
It's not just any cabbage stir fry . this recipe brings some serious homey comfort. this version has a kick from paprika and a pinch of chilli.
This recipe also fits the bill if you're looking for comforting asian cooking flavors.
The Secret Weapon
Cabbage has more vitamins than you might think! this recipe shines as a side dish. it is also fantastic on its own with a fried egg on top.
And i reckon it will make even the fussiest eaters sing. what makes it special? the smoky bacon fat. seriously, don't skip it.
Fancy trying out something different? Right then, let's dive into the ingredients.
Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make Grandma's fried cabbage ! Honestly, this is proper simple stuff.
Grandma's Fried Cabbage (with a Kick!) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment: Grandma's Fried Cabbage Sorted
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's the lowdown on the good stuff you'll need. These cabbage recipes healthy are so good for you!
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 2 lbs / 900g ). Now, a good cabbage should feel heavy for its size, be nice and firm, and have tightly packed leaves. You know?
- Bacon: 4 slices , diced (or 4oz / 113g bacon bits). Get decent bacon, it makes a difference. Proper butcher stuff if you can.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow, diced (about 1 cup / 150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (roughly 1 tsp / 5g ).
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low sodium is best to control the salt.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . This is key for that smoky flavour.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional, if you want that kick).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , unsalted.
Seasoning Shenanigans
Spice it up or keep it mellow. Your shout. This Cabbage Stir Fry tastes amazing if you follow the directions.
- Essential Spice Combo: Smoked paprika is the star, then garlic, pepper, and the optional chili flakes.
- Flavor Boosters: Bacon grease, obviously. A tiny pinch of sugar sometimes balances it all out.
- Quick Swaps: No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon does the trick.
Essential Kit
Right, you don't need a whole kitchen shop, just the basics for this easy Chinese Cooking .
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying, obviously.
- Cutting Board: Don't be a heathen, chop on a board.
- Chef's Knife: Sharpish is good.
- Alternative to Dutch Oven : Big frying pan, ideally one with a lid.
It is proper simple, innit? You'll be whipping up this Beef Recipes For Dinner in no time, easy peasy.
Let me tell you a little story. once, i used regular paprika instead of smoked, and honestly, the fried cabbage tasted…boring.
Smoked paprika is a must! my nan always said, "the secret's in the spices, love!" and she was right, you know? i try and use as many spices in my cooking as possible, even when it isn't a chinese cooking recipes .
It really transforms your average cabbage recipes . i hope you find this helpful! now, go get cooking! this is one of the beef recipes easy to pair it with, to create an asian cooking !
Right then, let's get stuck in!
Grandma's Fried Cabbage (with a kick!)
This recipe is inspired by my own grandma's classic fried cabbage , a comforting dish that's been a staple for generations.
We're giving it a little modern twist with a touch of spice and umami depth. think sweet, savory, and slightly smoky – perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
This is comfort food that’s easy on the wallet, too. trust me, this is a game-changer amongst cabbage recipes .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place
First things first, the mise en place . honestly, this is key. chop one medium yellow onion. mince two cloves of garlic.
Dice four slices of bacon. core and thinly slice one medium head of green cabbage. measure out your chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
Having everything ready saves so much time! safety first: always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers!
Step-by-Step: Fried Cabbage Perfection
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Leave the bacon grease. Bacon grease is your best friend.
- Sauté the Goodness: Add diced onion to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes . Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute .
- Cabbage Time: Add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Steam it Up: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook for 10 minutes , until cabbage is slightly softened.
- Spice It Right: Remove the lid. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like heat!). Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Cook, stirring now and then, until the cabbage is tender and browned, about 5- 10 minutes . Keep an eye on it.
- Bacon Reunion: Stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Heat through. This is where the magic really happens.
- Serve it Hot: Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Champion Cabbage Stir Fry
Don't overcrowd the pan . if your skillet is too small, cook in batches. this makes sure that your fried cabbage gets that yummy browning.
Taste and adjust seasoning . a pinch of sugar can enhance the sweetness. one common mistake is overcooking the cabbage. you want it tender, not mushy! for a make-ahead option, cook the cabbage ahead of time, but add the bacon right before serving.
This fried cabbage recipe is one of those easy chinese recipes that can be paired with almost anything, including beef recipes for dinner .
For an asian cooking experience you can change the broth for dashi broth, and the vinegar for rice vinegar. honestly, this is the best cabbage recipe healthy you'll ever have.
It has all the flavors and textures you love, and it comes together in just minutes.
So go on, give it a bash. Let me know what you think!
Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs about this cracking fried cabbage recipe, shall we? think of it as the cheat sheet to cabbage greatness.
Honestly, sometimes the little details make all the difference.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Plating & Pals
Right, so you've got this gorgeous pan of fried cabbage . How do you make it look, well, posh ? Honestly, it's dead easy.
First off, plating. think rustic chic. a slightly warmed bowl works wonders. then, a little sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just lifts the whole thing.
My grandma always paired hers with a dollop of sour cream. that tang? oh my gosh, amazing. for drinks, a crisp apple cider complements the cabbage beautifully.
And as a side? this cabbage stir fry is a dream with sausages, pork chops, or even a nice bit of grilled chicken.
For a cabbage recipes healthy approach, add a grilled chicken breast and make a meal.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
So, you've made a massive batch of fried cabbage (we've all been there). What do you do with the leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep happily in the fridge for about 3-4 days. if you fancy freezing it, be warned, the texture might change a bit.
Still tasty, just a bit softer. to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a sizzle in a pan works a treat.
Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through!
Variations: Tweaks and Swaps
Fancy a bit of a change? No worries, I've got you covered.
For a vegetarian option, ditch the bacon and use olive oil. a splash of smoked paprika will still give you that smoky flavour.
For a cabbage recipes tweak? go spicy! add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or even a chopped chilli.
Seasonal swaps? in autumn, try adding some diced apple to the cabbage stir fry – it’s brilliant!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This fried cabbage isn't just tasty, it's actually rather good for you. Let’s keep it simple, yeah?
Cabbage is packed with vitamins and fibre. the bacon adds protein (and deliciousness!), but you can totally reduce the amount or swap it for something leaner.
Nutritionally, you are looking at approximately 220 calories, 8g protein, 15g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 5g sugar, and 350mg sodium per serving.
Of course, that is just an estimate.
Honestly, give this recipe a go. it's dead easy, tastes amazing, and is a proper crowd-pleaser. and if you are looking for beef recipes for dinner , this is a banging side.
Get in the kitchen and have a giggle. you might even discover your new favourite easy chinese recipes , or a great introduction into chinese cooking recipes , chinese cooking , or even asian cooking .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make fried cabbage vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this fried cabbage recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease. For a smoky flavour similar to bacon, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked salt. Sorted!
How do I store leftover fried cabbage?
Leftover fried cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a sauté in a pan with a little butter will do the trick. Just make sure it's heated through properly before tucking in!
What's the best way to get my fried cabbage nice and tender?
The key to tender fried cabbage is a combination of steaming and sautéing. The initial steaming with chicken broth helps to soften the cabbage, then removing the lid and sautéing allows it to brown nicely. Also, thinly slicing the cabbage ensures it cooks evenly, innit?
I'm not a fan of spice. Can I make this fried cabbage less spicy?
No worries, mate! If you're not keen on spice, simply leave out the red pepper flakes entirely. You'll still get a lovely depth of flavour from the smoked paprika and other seasonings. You could even add a touch of sweetness with a pinch of brown sugar.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar? Is there a good substitute for fried cabbage?
Not a problem! If you're out of apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as a substitute. Both will provide a similar tang to balance the richness of the dish. A dash of Worcestershire sauce will also do the trick in a pinch.
Is fried cabbage healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Fried cabbage can be part of a balanced diet. Cabbage is a good source of fiber and vitamins. Using bacon can increase the fat content, so consider leaner options like turkey bacon or omitting it entirely for a lighter dish. Serve with lean protein for a complete meal. All right?