Whole30 Southern Fried Cabbage
Experience a healthier twist on classic comfort food with this Whole30 Southern Fried Cabbage recipe—a flavorful side dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Featuring tender shredded green cabbage simmered with savory sugar-free bacon, caramelized onions, and a blend of smoky spices like paprika and garlic powder, this dish delivers Southern-inspired goodness while adhering to Whole30 guidelines. The addition of apple cider vinegar brings a subtle tang, while bacon fat or avocado oil enhances richness without compromising clean-eating priorities. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect for meal prep or as the star of your table. Serve it warm for a deliciously satisfying Whole30-friendly dish that’s packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (medium, about 2 pounds) green cabbage
- 6 strips sugar-free bacon
- 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or bacon fat)
Instructions
Slice the cabbage into thin shreds, core removed, and set aside.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sugar-free bacon strips and cook until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the cooked bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet in batches, allowing it to wilt slightly before adding more. Toss to coat the cabbage evenly in the bacon fat.
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Stir to combine and evenly distribute the seasonings.
Drizzle the apple cider vinegar and avocado oil (if needed for extra moisture) over the cabbage. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned around the edges.
Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the cabbage just before serving.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
858 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.4 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.4 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 4240 mg | 184% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.5 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 44.8 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 428 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 2225 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
