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Keto Side Dishes

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

This fried cabbage recipe combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tender cabbage in a savory blend that’s naturally low in carbs. I often whip it up as a side for roasted chicken or pork, but it stands well on its own. The aromatics of garlic and paprika make it a family favorite, even among those not following a keto diet.

15 min Prep time 60 min Cook time 75 min Total time 4 Servings 280 Calories
Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Ingredients

  • slices bacon, chopped
  • large onion, diced
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • large head cabbage, cored and sliced
  • tablespoon salt, or to taste
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • /2 teaspoon onion powder
  • /2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • /8 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    I begin by frying the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat. Let it sizzle until the bits are golden and crispy, which takes roughly ten minutes. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. I let them soften and turn a deep caramel color, stirring frequently for another ten minutes. The aroma at this point is incredible. Immediately add the sliced cabbage, stirring well to coat with the bacon fat. Let it cook down for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, so it begins to wilt. Season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika. Lower the heat, cover tightly, and let it all simmer gently for around half an hour. Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking, until the cabbage is tender and has soaked up all that smoky flavor. The result is a cozy, keto-friendly side that feels like comfort food.

Chef's Tip

My go-to tip is to save a spoonful of the crisp bacon bits to sprinkle on top just before serving, adding both texture and visual appeal. For an extra layer of flavor, I often swap regular paprika for smoked paprika.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, or microwave in 30-second bursts. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Variation Tips

For a heartier version, add cooked sausage or ground beef to turn it into a main dish. Another variation is to use red cabbage for a vibrant twist and add a splash of apple cider vinegar during cooking.

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