Fried Cabbage and Onions Recipe
Introduction
Fried cabbage and onions is a simple, comforting side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage with buttery, caramelized onions and garlic. It’s quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter (grassfed preferably)
- 1 white onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup garlic (whole or crushed cloves, skin off)
- 1 cabbage (use half if very large cabbage; whole head if small) sliced into thin strips
- 1 tsp salt (Celtic sea salt preferred)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until melted and foamy.
- Step 2: Add the diced onions to the pan and cook until soft and transparent, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
- Step 3: Add the garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the sliced cabbage and toss well to coat it evenly with the butter.
- Step 5: Generously season with salt.
- Step 6: Let the cabbage cook down, reducing by half, for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Step 7: When the cabbage is shiny, slightly translucent, and has developed some browned bits, it is ready to serve.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and plate alongside your favorite meat, casserole, fish, or other main dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes while cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet to get more caramelized, crispy edges on the cabbage.
- Substitute butter with bacon drippings or olive oil for a different taste profile.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar towards the end brightens the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use green or red cabbage instead of white cabbage?
Yes, green and red cabbage work well in this recipe. The cooking time is similar, but red cabbage may lend a slightly different color and flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder as a substitute—about 1 teaspoon—added when cooking the onions. Fresh garlic offers the best flavor but powder works in a pinch.
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Fried Cabbage and Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Fried Cabbage and Onions recipe features tender, caramelized cabbage cooked with sweet onions and garlic in grassfed butter. It’s a simple, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, offering a satisfying texture and rich, savory taste from the browned bits and melted butter.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1/4 cup garlic cloves (whole or crushed, skin removed)
- 1 head of cabbage (use half if very large), sliced into thin strips
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp grassfed butter
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Heat Butter: In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it becomes foamy. This prepares the pan for sautéing the vegetables and adds rich flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and transparent to develop sweetness and prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic cloves and cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, while being careful not to burn them.
- Add Cabbage: Toss the sliced cabbage into the pan, mixing well to coat every strip with the melted butter and flavorful base.
- Season: Generously sprinkle the salt over the cabbage mixture to bring out the natural flavors.
- Cook Down Cabbage: Allow the cabbage to cook down until it reduces by half, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking until the cabbage is shiny, slightly translucent, and has developed some browned, crispy bits indicative of caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat and plate the fried cabbage and onions alongside your favorite meats, casseroles, or fish for a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use grassfed butter for a richer, more nutrient-dense flavor.
- Adjust the salt to taste, especially if using salted butter or other salty accompaniments.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or chopped fresh herbs during the cooking process.
- Ensure to stir occasionally to prevent the cabbage from sticking or burning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or vegetarian casseroles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried cabbage, sautéed cabbage, cabbage side dish, butter cabbage, caramelized onions, easy vegetable recipe, low-fat vegetable side
