Fried Cabbage with Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of savory and satisfying. The beef adds a rich depth of flavor, while the cabbage cooks down to a tender texture with a slight caramelization that’s mouthwatering. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, and is customizable with or without the optional tangy apple cider vinegar. Whether served with grilled chicken, sausage, or other proteins, it’s sure to complement your meal beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped

• 6 slices of beef, chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Beef:

   • In a large skillet, cook the chopped beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef drippings and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cabbage:

   • Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.

   • Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and begins to caramelize.

4. Season the Cabbage:

   • Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the cabbage (if using) and stir to combine.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, stirring it into the cabbage.

   • If you prefer a tangy flavor, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and stir well.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Stir the cooked beef back into the skillet with the cabbage.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor and color.

• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion and garlic.

• Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little butter or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How do I make sure the cabbage doesn’t get too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure you cook the cabbage until it’s tender but not overly soft. Stir occasionally to allow the cabbage to caramelize rather than steam.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free seasoning and check the labels of any other ingredients.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the beef with a plant-based protein like mushrooms or tempeh to keep it vegetarian.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried cabbage for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How do I get the cabbage to caramelize nicely?

The key to caramelization is cooking the cabbage over medium heat and allowing it to brown without stirring too frequently. Let it sit in the skillet for a few minutes before stirring to get that crispy, golden-brown texture.

Can I use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute regular white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if needed. It will still add the tangy flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a chopped chili, or a dash of hot sauce to the dish to give it a spicy kick.

How do I know when the cabbage is cooked perfectly?

The cabbage should be tender and lightly browned but still slightly crisp. If it’s mushy, it’s been cooked for too long.

Can I add potatoes to this recipe?

Yes, diced potatoes can be added for a more filling dish. Just cook them along with the cabbage until tender.

Conclusion

This Fried Cabbage with Beef, Onion, and Garlic is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s simple to make and full of rich, savory flavors. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs well with a variety of proteins and can be customized to your taste. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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Fried Cabbage with Beef, Onion, and Garlic is a savory, hearty dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With tender cabbage, flavorful beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, this dish combines rich flavors. The optional addition of apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika adds extra depth, making it an excellent side to any protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's customizable with various ingredients to suit your taste.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing, Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped

6 slices of beef, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the Beef:
  In a large skillet, cook the chopped beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

• Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
  Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Cook the Cabbage:
  Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and begins to caramelize.

• Season the Cabbage:
  Sprinkle smoked paprika (if using) over the cabbage and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the butter to the skillet and stir until it melts and coats the cabbage. For a tangy kick, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and mix well.

• Finish and Serve:
  Stir the cooked beef back into the skillet with the cabbage. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

• You can customize this dish with additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more flavor and color.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.

• For a cheesy version, stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end.

• This dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian by replacing beef with tofu or plant-based protein.