Keto Southern Fried Cabbage: A Simple, Savory Side Dish

This Keto Southern Fried Cabbage is a simple, satisfying, and deeply flavorful side dish that is naturally low in carbs. The secret to its incredible flavor is cooking the tender, shredded cabbage and sweet onion in rendered bacon grease. It is a hearty and quick recipe, perfect for serving alongside steak, chicken, or pork, bringing true Southern comfort to your keto table.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

• 8 slices bacon
• 1 large head cabbage, shredded
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced (such as Vidalia)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make Keto Southern Fried Cabbage

The key to this recipe is ensuring you properly render the bacon to create the flavorful fat base for the cabbage.

Preparing the Bacon

First, place the bacon onto a large, cold sauté pan in a single layer. Heat the pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crispy. Now, use tongs to remove the bacon from the pan, placing it on a plate lined with paper towels; leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Frying the Keto Southern Fried Cabbage

Next, add the sliced onion to the pan with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion for several minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it smells fragrant, then mix it in thoroughly with the onions. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan. Season the cabbage and onions with the sea salt, paprika, and pepper. Cook the cabbage for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Meanwhile, chop or crumble the reserved bacon. When the cabbage is done, stir the crumbled bacon back into the pan. Serve the Keto Southern Fried Cabbage immediately.

Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage

• Bacon Fat is Key: Do not discard the bacon fat! The rendered drippings are essential for adding the rich, savory depth of flavor that defines this Southern dish.
• Tenderness Level: Cooking time depends on your preference. Cook for less time (15 minutes) for slightly crisp-tender cabbage, or cook for the full 25 minutes for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Add a Tang: For a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the bacon, stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before serving.
• Onion Type: Using a large sweet onion (like Vidalia) is recommended, as the sweetness balances the salty bacon and the earthy cabbage flavor beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Southern Fried Cabbage is a deceptively simple dish that packs a huge punch of flavor. It is an ideal, hearty, and low-carb alternative to traditional carb-heavy sides. You will find this easy, bacon-infused recipe becomes a staple in your weeknight cooking rotation.