Need a quick cabbage dish that’s full of flavor and ready in minutes? This stir-fried cabbage is cooked with onion and a simple chicken broth for a bold, savory taste. The cabbage stays slightly crisp while soaking up all the flavor from the bacon. It’s an easy cabbage stir fry that works perfectly as a quick side or light meal.
I made this on a Tuesday night when I had barely anything left in the fridge. There was a small cabbage sitting in the crisper drawer, some bacon, and an onion, and I just thought, let me see what happens. I threw it all in the pan, and within twenty minutes, a complete meal with a side dish was on the table. It’s become one of my regular weeknight go-tos now because it’s cheap, fast, and nobody ever complains when I make it.
Don’t Sleep on Cabbage
Cabbage doesn’t get nearly enough credit, and this stir-fry recipe is proof of that. When you toss it in a hot wok or skillet over high heat with smoky bacon, it completely changes into a recipe that is full of flavor. It’s one of the most underrated vegetables out there, and once you try it this way, you will never look at it the same again.
Perfect Side Dishes for Meals
This stir-fry comes together in one pan and works beautifully as a side dish or even a light main. You can keep it simple as written or have it along with air-fried chicken. This is also perfect with cream cheese sausage balls.
How To Make Cabbage Stir Fry
This cabbage stir fry recipe gives you a quick, savory dish with tender cabbage and simple seasonings. It’s easy to cook, comes together fast, and works well as a side or light meal.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Large Pan: Gives you enough space to stir and toss the cabbage without it spilling over the sides.
- Sharp Knife: Slices veggies smoothly.
- Chopping Board: Gets the cabbage, bacon, onion, and parsley prepped quickly and evenly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Keeps everything moving in the pan so nothing burns or sticks to the bottom.
Ingredients:
- Green Cabbage: The star of the dish, it softens beautifully in the pan and soaks up all the smoky flavors around it.
- Smoked Bacon: Adds a rich, deep, savory flavor and a little crispy texture that makes every bite more satisfying.
- Onion: Builds a sweet and savory base that adds depth to the whole dish.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the cabbage moist as it cooks and adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Salt: Seasons everything and brings all the flavors together.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a little sharpness to balance the smokiness.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the dish a warm, smoky depth that takes it to the next level.
- Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end for a bright, fresh finish that lifts the whole dish.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR CABBAGE STIR-FRY RECIPE
First Step: Prep the Vegetables and Ingredients
Start by cutting the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dicing the onion. Slice the bacon into small strips and chop the parsley for later. Measure out the chicken stock so everything is ready once cooking begins.
Second Step: Crisp the Bacon First
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
Third Step: Cook the Onion and Cabbage
Toss in the diced onion to the hot skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly translucent. Add the cabbage and stir well so it absorbs the bacon flavor. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and reduces in size.
Fourth Step: Add Broth and Season
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, mixing everything together. Let it cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.
Fifth Step: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a simple, flavorful stir-fried cabbage dish.
TRICKS AND TIPS:
- Don’t rush the bacon at the start. Letting it cook low and slow until the fat renders out properly gives you way more flavor to cook the rest of the dish in.
- Cut the cabbage into even bite-sized pieces. If some pieces are too big and some are too small, they won’t cook at the same rate, and you’ll end up with uneven texture throughout.
- Keep the heat at medium-high throughout. Stir-frying needs heat to get that slightly caramelized, golden finish rather than just steaming everything soft and bland.
- Add the parsley only at the very end. Stirring it in off the heat keeps it fresh and bright instead of wilting it into the dish and losing all that color.
- Taste before adding extra salt. The smoked bacon and chicken broth already bring a good amount of saltiness, so always taste first before reaching for the salt shaker.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to Serve With Stir-Fried Cabbage?
Stir-fried cabbage pairs really well with chicken burger patties, pork chops, or a simple sweet chili salmon fillet. You can also serve it alongside eggs and feta casserole for a satisfying plate. It works just as well as a light meal on its own with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the juices.
How Do I Store a Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe?
Store any leftover stir-fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat with a small splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to life. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the cabbage a little too soft and watery.
Yes, you can freeze stir-fried cabbage once it has completely cooled down. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a hot pan so it gets some of that texture back rather than turning mushy.
More Clean Eating Recipes
Sometimes it helps to have a few simple recipes you can go back to anytime. Homemade cranberry juice is fresh, easy to make, and not overly sweet. Blueberries in dark chocolate give you a quick treat that still feels a bit better than candy.
Gluten-free pretzels are great for snacking or packing on the go. These are the kind of recipes that fit into real life without much effort.
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Stir-Fried Cabbage
Equipment
- 1 Large Pan
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Piece Small Green Cabbage around 2 pounds, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 5 Slices Smoked Bacon chopped
- 1 Piece Onion small, finely chopped
- ⅓ Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Pinch Salt as needed
- 1 Pinch Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Handful Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, slice the bacon, chop parsley, and measure the chicken stock.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until crisp, then remove and keep the fat in the pan.
- Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft, add cabbage, and cook 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Pour in chicken stock, scrape the pan, add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook 5–8 minutes more.
- Stir bacon back in, adjust seasoning, and top with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t rush the bacon at the start. Letting it cook low and slow until the fat renders out properly gives you way more flavor to cook the rest of the dish in.
- Cut the cabbage into even bite-sized pieces. If some pieces are too big and some are too small, they won’t cook at the same rate, and you’ll end up with uneven texture throughout.
- Keep the heat at medium-high throughout. Stir-frying needs heat to get that slightly caramelized, golden finish rather than just steaming everything soft and bland.
- Add the parsley only at the very end. Stirring it in off the heat keeps it fresh and bright instead of wilting it into the dish and losing all that color.
- Taste before adding extra salt. The smoked bacon and chicken broth already bring a good amount of saltiness, so always taste first before reaching for the salt shaker.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
mains to have with this side
The best main dishes to have with a cabbage side should add flavor and contrast without feeling too heavy. Try stuffed chicken, chicken casserole, or a simple chicken stir-fry to keep the meal balanced and satisfying
