Fried Cabbage with Pepper Bacon

Growing up during the depression, my grandparents would tell us some of the foods they ate. Their mother’s tried to save money and be as economical as possible. Meals during this time would be whatever they had available. Most of the families raised and butchered their own animals so they may have beef, pork, and chicken available as the protein for their meals.

Vegetable gardens were a huge thing then also. They could go to the local general store, but could not necessarily afford it. Most grew all their own vegetables.

Cabbage became one of those vegetables that was healthy, tasty and filling. It was mixed with other foods as a staple on the dinner tables. I wish I knew who started this recipe, I would love to shake their hand! Enough of the history lesson on the beginnings of fried vegetables. The point is, they are nutritious, delicious and economical!

Fried cabbage is so tasty, you can get some crispy pieces and then mixed with salt, pepper and a little milk, the dish is delightfully delicious! Then you mix it with bacon, Oh EM Gee! One of my favorite types of bacon is thick sliced and peppered. Of course, I would be the one to add the additional pepper to a meal. Surprisingly the group I served it to, fell in love and asked for the recipe.

For this recipe, I turned it into a Chinese version of a stir fry. This makes a complete meal, depending on any additions you make.

Substitutions and Additions:

            You can use ground beef, Rib eye, sirloin, chicken or even pork as the protein source.

            You can finely chop carrots to add in the stir fry

            I have heard that adding fresh green peas adds to the flavor

            Onion that is finely chopped will add another layer of flavor.

            Many times, I will combine chopped spinach with the cabbage and let them cook together.

            I usually cook up a pot of white rice, you can use brown rice if you prefer.

What ingredients do you need for Fried Cabbage with Pepper Bacon

            1 head of green cabbage, sliced thin

            1 red pepper, sliced thin

            2 tbsp vegetable oil

            4 cloves of minced garlic

            ½ pound chopped pepper bacon

            2 tbsp soy sauce

            1 tsp cornstarch

            Salt and pepper to taste

            ½ cup cold water

How to make Fried Cabbage with Pepper Bacon

FIRST STEP

Heat the Wok or large skillet over medium high heat.

Saute’ the garlic for just a few seconds

SECOND STEP

Add the meat in and fry until it is completely cooked. This should take 5 to 7 minutes.

Drain the grease off

Add the red pepper and the cabbage and cook until the vegetables are tender

THIRD STEP

Mix in the soy sauce and stir well

Mix the cornstarch with water and pour into the pan. Stir well to combine.

FOURTH STEP

Sauce will thicken as it continues to cook

Serve with rice. I will usually make up a plateful of egg rolls and wontons to be eaten in combination with the Pepper Bacon Fried Cabbage.

This would make it a healthy, satisfying and tasty complete meal.

Enjoy!