Keto Fried Cabbage and Bacon is a simple, easy-to-make side dish recipe suitable for those following a low carb diet. There are only 3 net carbs per serving and it’s naturally gluten free as well.
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As I am coming off a little hiatus from eating low carb, I’ve been looking for some new side dishes to add to my recipe box. I find it easy to change up the flavor of different meats, but often get stuck making the same sides because of time and ease.
Every week, we have Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower (usually in multiple different forms). I just started making Roasted Cabbage Wedges on the regular, as well, and absolutely love them. I wanted to make a few more easy cabbage recipes and adding bacon was the first thing that popped into my head.
And apparently, everyone else’s. This recipe is far from original, but I figured that if I hadn’t had Keto Fried Cabbage and Bacon before, that maybe some of you could use a recipe for it too!
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s so easy to make! This recipe uses 4 ingredients, including salt and pepper, and takes around 30 minutes to make.
- While it’s simple, it’s also very flavorful. Of course bacon makes everything better, but the cabbage definitely holds it’s own in this recipe.
- This recipe is low carb and suitable for those on a keto diet. It has just 3 net carbs per serving and is also gluten free.
How to Make Keto Fried Cabbage and Bacon
Prep!
Roughly chop the cabbage and set it aside. Dice the bacon.
Tip: easily dice the bacon by removing it in one big stack from the package. Place it on a cutting board and slice through all the bacon at once.
Create!
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. I like to cook it over medium heat so that it cooks more evenly and not so fast that it may burn.
Cook the bacon, stirring frequently, until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.
Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet and return the pan to the heat.
Add the cabbage, salt, and pepper.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender and starting to brown on the edges – about 10-15 minutes.
Stir the bacon back in.
Present!
Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Keto Fried Cabbage and Bacon
- To easily dice the bacon, remove it in one big stack from the package. Place on a cutting board and slice through all the bacon at once.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
- Is cabbage keto? Yes, cabbage is a great vegetable choice for those following a keto diet. One cup of raw cabbage has around 2.5 net carbohydrates.
- Can you freeze cooked cabbage? Yes, you can freeze fried cabbage. Place the cabbage in an air-tight container or freezer bag with all of the excess air pressed out before fully closing. Freeze up to 5 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How do you reheat fried cabbage? You can reheat fried cabbage in a skillet on the stove top until it’s heated through, or in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
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Fried Cabbage and Bacon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bacon (diced)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large head cabbage (chopped, about 6 cups - green, Napa or Savoy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon becomes crisp. Using medium heat helps the bacon cook evenly without burning.12 ounces bacon
- Remove with a slotted spoon to the paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet and return the pan to the heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until just starting to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds longer.1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic
- Add the cabbage and season with salt and pepper.1 large head cabbage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and lightly browned on the edges, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir the cooked bacon back into the cabbage and onions.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the Bacon Quickly: For fast prep, slice the entire stack of bacon strips at once instead of separating them individually. This makes dicing much easier and faster.
- Don’t Cook the Bacon Too Fast: Cooking bacon over medium heat allows the fat to render properly and prevents burning. This also creates flavorful drippings for the cabbage and onion to cook in.
- Let the Cabbage Brown Slightly: Allowing the cabbage to cook long enough to develop light caramelization adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Storage: Store leftover fried cabbage and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled cabbage in an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 4–5 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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