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Crispy Fried Cabbage with Bacon Drippings

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A quick and easy recipe that transforms humble cabbage into a crispy, flavorful side dish infused with smoky bacon drippings and aromatic caraway seeds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons bacon drippings (rendered fat from 4–5 slices of bacon)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, toasted
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage, cut in half, remove the core, and slice into thin strips about ¼ inch thick.
  2. Toast 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly in the bacon drippings and aromatics.
  7. Spread the cabbage out in an even layer and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the bottom starts to brown and crisp.
  8. Stir the cabbage gently, press it back down evenly, and cook for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times to develop crispy golden edges.
  9. Sprinkle the toasted caraway seeds over the cabbage. If using, drizzle apple cider vinegar evenly and toss quickly to combine.
  10. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter if desired and allow it to melt into the hot cabbage.
  11. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. The cabbage should be tender with a slight crunch and crispy browned bits throughout.

Notes

Toast caraway seeds to unlock their flavor. Cook cabbage undisturbed to develop crispy edges. Use fresh bacon drippings for best flavor. If cabbage seems watery, cook longer to evaporate moisture but avoid burning. For gluten-free, ensure bacon drippings have no additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried cabbage, bacon drippings, caraway seeds, crispy cabbage, easy side dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/crispy-fried-cabbage-with-bacon-drippings-perfect-easy-recipe/