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Crispy Cabbage and Bacon Skillet Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner Idea with Toasted Caraway

crispy cabbage and bacon skillet - featured image

A quick and easy skillet dish featuring crispy cabbage, smoky bacon, and toasted caraway seeds for a warm, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), cored and thinly sliced
  • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 small yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if bacon is lean)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Core and thinly slice the cabbage into ribbons about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
  2. Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the caraway seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker, about 2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 7-9 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Add the sliced onion to the bacon fat and stir. Cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Toss the sliced cabbage into the skillet. Stir well to coat with bacon fat and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes over medium-low heat until cabbage softens and develops crispy, golden edges. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil if pan is dry.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted caraway seeds evenly over the cabbage. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces. Drizzle 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.

Notes

Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even heat and better crisping. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the cabbage. Toast caraway seeds separately to unlock their aroma. Cook cabbage low and slow for perfect texture. If pan gets watery, increase heat briefly to evaporate moisture. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and reheat gently to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage, bacon, caraway seeds, skillet recipe, easy dinner, crispy cabbage, toasted caraway, quick meal, comfort food