This spicy fried cabbage recipe is loaded with crispy bacon, red onion, and tender cabbage tossed in a savory soy-hot sauce mixture for a kick of heat and umami flavor.
Why this recipe works
Our spicy fried cabbage uses both soy sauce and hot sauce for a taste-bud tickling experience. Crispy smokiness from the bacon, tender-soft cabbage, and a dash of kickin’ heat combine to elevate classic fried cabbage in a way you probably didn’t expect. Let’s jump right in.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BACON – The bacon adds a welcome punch of flavor to an otherwise neutral base. Thick-cut or regular cut bacon will both work here. Feel free to omit or substitute the bacon with tofu, turkey bacon, or vegan bacon if preferred.
CABBAGE – Some heads of cabbage can be quite large so if you can’t fit the entire sliced head into the skillet, focus on getting the softer green pieces and be sure to omit the very thick areas right around the stem of the cabbage. Choose a head of cabbage that is firm without any wilted leaves.
How to Make Spicy Fried Cabbage
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a large deep sided skillet over medium-high heat, saute the chopped bacon until tender but not crisp.
- Add chopped red onion to the pan and continue to cook until bacon begins to brown and crisp up. Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking an additional minute.
- Pour in the mustard, hot sauce, and soy sauce, stirring to combine well.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan, stirring and folding to ensure that all pieces cook evenly. Continue cooking and turning occasionally, about 10 minutes, or until cabbage is wilted and tender crisp.
TIP – Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to add the cabbage in batches.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes, you can freeze your cooked fried cabbage for up to 2 months. Freeze in an air-tight container or freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy fried cabbage is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with loads of different meals from chicken, beef, pork – you name it. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy warm from the skillet!
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Spicy Fried Cabbage
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 7 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 head green cabbage chopped
- 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Thick-cut or regular cut bacon will both work here. Feel free to omit or substitute the bacon with tofu, turkey bacon, or vegan bacon if preferred.
- Some heads of cabbage can be quite large so if you can’t fit the entire sliced head into the skillet, focus on getting the softer green pieces and be sure to omit the very thick areas right around the stem of the cabbage. Choose a head of cabbage that is firm without any wilted leaves.
Instructions
- In a large deep sided skillet over medium-high heat, saute the chopped bacon until tender but not crisp.
- Add chopped red onion to the pan and continue to cook until bacon begins to brown and crisp up. Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking an additional minute.
- Pour in the mustard, hot sauce, and soy sauce, stirring to combine well.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan, stirring and folding to ensure that all pieces cook evenly. Continue cooking and turning occasionally, about 10 minutes, or until cabbage is wilted and tender crisp.TIP – Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to add the cabbage in batches.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze the cooled fried cabbage in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Chef Antoine Davis
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Gina A says
This was really delicious. I was quite surprised. I’m making this with corned beef next St Patty’s Day for sure! And anytime I have cabbage just sitting in the fridge.