Easy Cabbage Skillet Recipe
This Easy Cabbage Skillet Recipe is a quick, budget-friendly, and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Tender cabbage is cooked with savory flavors, protein of your choice, and simple seasonings in a single skillet for a satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Lid for skillet
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded about 6 cups
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces bacon, diced or sausage, ham, or chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or other cooking oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Caraway seeds, to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Shred the cabbage, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Dice the bacon if using.
- Cook the bacon (or your protein of choice): In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. If using sausage or ham, cook it in the skillet until browned. For a vegetarian option, skip this step.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the olive oil to the skillet (if not using bacon grease) and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and onion mixture.
- Simmer to perfection: Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- The Grand Finale: 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. Stir in the cooked bacon (or sausage/ham/chickpeas).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot on its own or as a side dish.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed. Adjust cooking time based on how thinly the cabbage is shredded and desired tenderness. Add a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to enhance the cabbage's sweetness. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This dish is even better the next day. Get creative with other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.