Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage

This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe is the perfect side for your New Year’s menu because it not only tastes delicious but it is very easy to prepare. I decided to take this dish to another level by adding some homemade Coconut Bacon.

I’m crazy about cabbage and I love to include it in my meal planning, it is not only nutritious but it is very economical and versatile.

For more vegan cabbage recipes, check out my Detox Cabbage Soup, Jamaican Steamed Cabbage, Curry Cabbage, and Roasted Cabbage Steaks.

For the people who are transitioning to a vegan diet this New Year, I wanted to help make this transition as easy as possible with the same familiar tastes and textures. It is quite easy to remain a vegan… with all these delicious recipes, you won’t even miss the meat!

They are all so flavorful and will be a big hit when you serve these recipes to your family and friends.

Cabbage has lots of nutrients, it is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Check out the amazing health benefits of cabbage!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Fried Cabbage

• Flavorful and satisfying: This recipe offers the rich and savory flavors of the classic Southern dish without using meat.
• Easy preparation: It’s a simple and straightforward recipe that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Nutrient-packed: Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, providing you with a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Versatile: This dish can be served as a side or a main course, making it suitable for various meal plans and occasions.
• Economical: Cabbage is an affordable ingredient, making this recipe a budget-friendly option.

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, providing a base for the flavors in the dish.
• Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic base to the recipe, enhancing the overall taste.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a rich and aromatic flavor.
• Dried thyme: Provides an earthy, herby note that complements the other seasonings.
• Cabbage: The main ingredient, offering a hearty and slightly sweet taste, along with a satisfying crunch.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the cabbage, enhancing its depth.
• Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in the dish and contributes to the overall seasoning.
• Garlic powder: Complements the fresh garlic, intensifying the garlic notes in the recipe.
• Cayenne pepper: Brings a touch of heat and spice, balancing the flavors.
• Vegetable broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor, helping to stew the cabbage to tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps to season the cabbage and other ingredients.
• Vegan coconut bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture, contributing a bacon-like flavor to the dish without using animal products.

How To Make Vegan Southern Style Cabbage

1. Slice cabbage and set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and thyme and saute until onion is soft.
2. Stir in the cabbage, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. 
3. Add vegetable broth, cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes or until cabbage is tender. 
4. Stir in coconut bacon and serve.

Expert Tips

• When adding the seasonings (smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt), start with the quantities mentioned in the recipe. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, but it’s easier to add more later than to correct if it becomes too spicy.
• When adding the vegetable broth, be sure to use a lid to cover the skillet. This helps trap moisture, allowing the cabbage to soften as it cooks. Check on it occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
• To achieve the ideal texture, cook the cabbage until it’s tender but still has a slight crispness. Overcooking can lead to mushy cabbage, which is less appealing.
• Stir in the vegan coconut bacon toward the end of cooking, just before serving. This keeps it crispy and prevents it from getting too soft or losing its smoky flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.

Enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or collard greens to the dish. These additions can provide extra color and flavor.

Most traditional recipes use Cajun seasoning, but I basically made my own blend with a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. You can use a store-bought Cajun seasoning if you prefer.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: To store Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage, allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. Eat within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezer: Place the cooled cabbage in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some room for expansion to avoid container damage. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat: When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

My vegan Southern fried cabbage turned out amazing and I served it with my Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Corn Muffins, what a mouthwatering treat it was.

Recipe FAQs

Want More Vegan Southern Recipes?

• Vegan Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
• Vegan Southern-Style Collard Greens
• Vegan Southern-Style Coleslaw
• Vegan Southern-Style Succotash

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