Southern Style Fried Cabbage
- 40 min
- Serves 6
- 10 ingredients
10 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. A budget‑friendly Southern‑style fried cabbage packed with smoky paprika, buttery richness, and a hint of sweet apple. This skillet dish delivers bold flavor and comforting texture, perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Method
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 0.5 tbsp oil.
Add 0.5 tsp bacon fat and let it melt.
Trim the core from the cabbage, discard outer leaves, then slice the cabbage into half‑inch shreds.
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir‑fry, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Season with smoked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Stir in 0.5 tsp smoked sweet paprika and 0.25 tsp smoked hot paprika, mixing well.
Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
Add 1 lb butter, allowing it to melt and coat the cabbage.
Optional: stir in 0.5 cup chopped apple and 0.5 tsp sugar for a subtle sweetness.
Cook an additional 5–7 minutes, ensuring all pieces are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.
Tips while you cook
- Prevent sticking
- Add a splash of water while stir‑frying the cabbage.
- Butter coating
- Add the butter after the cabbage is wilted.
- Optional sweetness timing
- Stir in the chopped apple and sugar before the final 5–7 minutes of cooking for a subtle sweet finish.
Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.
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