EASY CABBAGE SKILLET RECIPE

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, desperately seeking a simple yet satisfying meal that won’t break the bank? Picture tender, slightly sweet cabbage mingling with savory flavors in a single skillet, ready in under 30 minutes. This Cabbage Skillet recipe is your answer to quick, delicious, and budget-friendly dinners – I promise you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into one pan!

The Star Players: Ingredients for Your Cabbage Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* everything; cabbage is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt this to what’s in your pantry!

Produce Powerhouse

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein Punch (Choose Your Adventure!)

• 4 ounces bacon, diced (or substitute with sausage, ham, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option)

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a lovely tang!)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (trust me on this one!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Extras (Because Why Not?)

• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Caraway seeds (a classic pairing with cabbage)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated; this is super simple, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious Cabbage Skillet on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. First things first: Get your cabbage shredded. You can use a knife, a mandoline (be careful!), or even a food processor. I usually just slice it thinly with a large knife – it’s faster than you think.
2. Chop your onion and mince your garlic. Having everything ready to go before you start cooking makes the whole process much smoother.
3. If you’re using bacon, dice it into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon (or Your Protein of Choice)

1. In a large skillet (cast iron is fantastic, but any large skillet will work), cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. If you’re using sausage or ham, cook it in the skillet until it’s browned. If you’re going vegetarian, skip this step and just move on to the next!

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Add the olive oil to the skillet (if you’re not using bacon grease) and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry, it will cook down.
2. Stir the cabbage to coat it with the oil and onion mixture.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

1. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
2. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: The Grand Finale

1. Once the cabbage is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until any excess liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is slightly browned.
2. Stir in the cooked bacon (or sausage/ham/chickpeas).
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Serve your Cabbage Skillet hot. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even fish.

Tips and Tricks for Cabbage Skillet Success

I’ve made this Cabbage Skillet countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are some of my best tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If you have a *lot* of cabbage, you might want to cook it in batches to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time will depend on how thinly you shred your cabbage and how tender you like it.
• Add some sweetness: A touch of brown sugar or maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
• Spice it up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it ahead: Cabbage Skillet is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
• Get creative with the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Cabbage Skillet, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the things I love most about this Cabbage Skillet recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations to keep things interesting:

• Italian Cabbage Skillet: Add Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
• Mexican Cabbage Skillet: Add chorizo, black beans, corn, and chili powder. Top with sour cream and salsa.
• Asian Cabbage Skillet: Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Top with sesame seeds and green onions. You might even enjoy this alongside a Egg Roll In A Bowl.

And if you’re in the mood for other cabbage dishes, try this recipe for Fried Cabbage With Bacon! It’s a Southern classic for a reason. Or, for another easy weeknight meal, check out this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry. Finally, if you want a dish with an Asian flair, you might enjoy this Thai Chicken Cabbage Skillet.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 250-350 per serving
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g
• Protein: 10-15g

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

This Cabbage Skillet recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein. But most importantly, it’s a meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a head of cabbage and get cooking! I know you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking, my friend!