Irresistible Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon – Easy Low-Carb Side Dish Recipe!

This Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the perfect low-carb side dish or meal. When transitioning to a low-carb lifestyle, finding keto-friendly side dishes can be challenging, often leading one to think that salads are the only option. However, this Southern fried cabbage with bacon offers a quick and easy solution that is naturally low in carbs.

Pan-fried cabbage is a favorite keto side because it requires so few ingredients! This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize to your liking.

Why Cabbage?

Cabbage often gets a bad reputation, but it's a fantastic vegetable for the keto diet. It is naturally low in carbs and can be prepared in numerous ways. This keto fried cabbage recipe makes four servings, approximately 3/4 cup each.

Ingredients Overview

Below is an overview of all that goes into the fried cabbage with bacon and onions.

Bacon: This is keto; of course, you need bacon! Use any bacon you’d like! A classic pork bacon is a great option, but you may use your favorite type.
Bacon Grease: You’ll get this when you cook the bacon. It’s necessary to use to sauté the onion and other ingredients.
Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
Red Pepper: (Optional) Adds color and a slight sweetness.
Garlic: Use minced garlic for a pungent flavor.
Cabbage: A head of green cabbage is recommended for this recipe. Don’t use purple cabbage, as it has a slightly different taste and texture.
Chicken Broth: You can buy chicken broth or make it yourself.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast.
Brown Sugar: (Optional) Adds a touch of sweetness. Erythritol has been removed from the carb count as it is a sugar alcohol.
Dry Mustard: Enhances the savory flavors.
Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Any garlic powder will work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon: Place the six strips of bacon in a skillet and fry until they are all fully cooked. Remove the bacon slices and set them aside. Drain bacon grease leaving 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and red pepper to the skillet. Sauté on medium low heat for 3-4 minutes, or until starting to soften. Add minced garlic during the last minute.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cabbage, bacon, butter, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Alternatively, add the cabbage, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the onion in the skillet.
Cook the Cabbage: Heat on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness. If you like it crunchier, you can cook for a few minutes less. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. After it begins to boil, cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer the cabbage for about 20 minutes or until it reaches your preferred tenderness.
Serve: Once the cabbage is done, remove it from the pan and put it in a serving bowl. Crumble the cooked bacon slices over the top.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Fried Cabbage

Even Cooking: Cutting the cabbage to cook evenly is essential. First, rinse and remove the loose leaves. Next, place the stem end flat on a cutting board and cut the cabbage in half. Once done, cut it in half, again and again, to help make the cutting and chopping a bit easier. Take each quarter of the cabbage and slice it into thin strips.
Don't Overcook: Make sure to remove the cabbage from the heat as soon as it becomes tender. If it is overcooked, it will be limp and mushy and have a different smell. If you remove it from the stove before it is too tender, it will have a good consistency.
Fresh Garlic: Having garlic powder on hand is a matter of convenience. If you want to add fresh garlic, chop it finely or crush it.
Bacon Preparation: You can cook your bacon and then crumble it.
Crunchier Cabbage: If you’d like your cabbage a bit crunchier, you can cook for a few minutes less.
Adding Cabbage: If the cabbage doesn’t fit in the pan all at once, it’s okay to add it in smaller batches.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Keto-fried cabbage can easily be made vegetarian.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This keto-fried cabbage can be conveniently prepped ahead of time. This recipe is best eaten fresh. However, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to allow cooling completely prior to placing in an airtight container.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Refrigerating: If you happen to have any leftovers, it’s important to store this low-carb cabbage with bacon properly so that it’s good to eat the next day. If you keep it in the fridge, store it in a shallow airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, toss leftovers into a hot skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes until warmed throughout.
Freezing: Store in a covered airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months for freezing storage.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is very versatile. With cabbage being so versatile, the sky is the limit on what you can pair up with this delicious dish.

Main Courses: I recommend a simple Keto Pot Roast or Parmesan Crusted Keto Pork Chops.
Other Sides: Serve alongside other keto-friendly sides for a complete meal.

Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Free?

Yes! Cabbage is a staple in my keto diet. It is naturally low in carbs and can be prepared so many ways. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free when prepared as described.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated with the assistance of a third-party service. Values are approximate, can’t be guaranteed, and should be considered as estimates only. Values differ according to types and brands of foods used.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #fried #cabbage #recipe