Fried caramelized cabbage and onions is a simple yet flavorful side dish that transforms humble ingredients into something special. This recipe omits bacon, allowing the natural sweetness of the caramelized vegetables to shine through. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness, this dish offers a savory, slightly smoky flavor profile. It’s perfect as a healthy side to your main course or even as a light, satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (about ¼th of a medium-sized cabbage)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or use melted butter)
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the onions begin to soften and caramelize. Lower the heat slightly if they start browning too quickly.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the cabbage is coated with the oil and onion mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder (or minced garlic), paprika, and a pinch of salt over the cabbage and onions. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Continue to cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized. If it starts to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to deglaze.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Once the cabbage and onions are nicely browned and caramelized, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice to add a fresh, zesty finish to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed.
- Serve: Serve the caramelized cabbage and onions as a side dish, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or even alongside a fried egg.
Conclusion:
This fried caramelized cabbage and onions dish is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the naturally sweet flavors of these vegetables. The combination of garlic, paprika, and a touch of lemon juice elevates the humble cabbage and onion, creating a perfectly balanced, savory side dish. Whether served as a complement to your favorite meal or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Fried Caramelized Cabbage and Onions with Garlic and Paprika
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cabbage about ¼th of a medium-sized cabbage
- 1 large onion sliced
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or use melted butter
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the onions begin to soften and caramelize. Lower the heat slightly if they start browning too quickly.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the cabbage is coated with the oil and onion mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder (or minced garlic), paprika, and a pinch of salt over the cabbage and onions. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Continue to cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized. If it starts to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to deglaze.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Once the cabbage and onions are nicely browned and caramelized, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice to add a fresh, zesty finish to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed.
- Serve: Serve the caramelized cabbage and onions as a side dish, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or even alongside a fried egg.