Whole30 Southern Fried Cabbage

Savor the bold, comforting flavors of this Whole30 Southern Fried Cabbage, a healthy twist on a classic soul food favorite. Tender green cabbage is sautéed to perfection in crispy, sugar-free bacon fat and tossed with aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and a tangy hint of apple cider vinegar. This quick, one-pan dish is Whole30-compliant, paleo-friendly, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect low-carb side or standalone meal. With just 10 minutes of prep and an irresistibly smoky, savory taste, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the cabbage into thin shreds, core removed, and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Stir to combine and evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the cabbage just before serving.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1158.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	858.4

Total Fat 51.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 90mg	0%
Sodium 4240.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 71.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.5g	0%
Total Sugars 34.2g
Protein 44.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 427.5mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 2224.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 30.9%