Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage
Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage is a flavorful meatless version of the Southern Classic dish. It is easy to prepare using a combination of sauteing and stewing cabbage with onion, garlic, and herbs in a vegetable broth.
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish for your New Year’s menu? Look no further than Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage! You can make this flavorful meatless variation of a Southern classic dish by sautĂ©ing and stewing cabbage with onion, garlic, and herbs in vegetable broth. I decided to take this dish to another level by adding 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 even more delicious and nutritious meal ideas. Plus, cabbage is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any diet.

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!
Ingredients Needed
- Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a base for the flavors in the dish.
- Onion: Adding a savory and aromatic base to the recipe enhances 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 is 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: It 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
- Slice the cabbage and set it aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme, and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the cabbage, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Add vegetable broth, cover, and allow to cook for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the 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 it if it becomes too spicy.
- When adding the vegetable broth, 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 it from 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.
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:Â When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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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Vegan Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium cabbage chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup vegan coconut bacon see recipe
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and thyme, and cook until onion is soft, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in cabbage, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and salt.
- Add vegetable broth, then cover and cook for 10 minutes or until cabbage is soft.
- Add coconut bacon and serve.
I absolutely adore this recipe and make it frequently…. I usually add extra smoked paprika and some thinly sliced fried/steamed potatoes into the dish(cooking a little before I add the cabbage as they take longer)…. thank you the fabulous inspiration.
Annette, I’m so happy you enjoy this dish, love the extra smoked paprika and potato idea. Thanks for sharing.
I am going to try this tomorrow, silly me bought a cabbage without thinking how to cook it as I intended to make coleslaw and then found I had no carrots or peppers etc… what do you suggest I eat this with? Will be eating it on its own tomorrow and freezing some. Thanks Linda.
Hi Linda you can add it as a side dish. Hope you enjoyed it.
This recipe is more than Delicious đŸ˜‹