KETO CABBAGE AND BACON SKILLET

Keto Cabbage and Bacon Skillet Recipe

A quick, one-pan keto dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Key Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: 185 per serving
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 8g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Difficulty: Easy
• Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (12-inch recommended)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

[TIP: A mandoline slicer makes quick work of the cabbage, but isn’t essential]

Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs/900g), chopped
• 8 oz (225g) bacon, diced [sub: turkey bacon or pancetta]
• 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 75g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Optional: chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish

Method

1. 1. Heat your skillet over medium heat.
   2. Add diced bacon, cook until crispy (5-7 minutes).
   3. Remove bacon with slotted spoon, leave fat in pan.
   4. Add diced onion to bacon fat, cook until translucent (2-3 minutes).
   5. Stir in minced garlic, cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

1. 1. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and paprika.
   2. Cover and cook until cabbage is tender-crisp (10-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.

1. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, cook additional 3-5 minutes to caramelize.
2. Return bacon to pan, stir to combine.
3. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed.

Crucial Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cabbage should have room to cook evenly.
• Keep bacon pieces uniform for even cooking.
• Stir occasionally but not constantly to allow proper caramelization.
• Look for golden-brown edges on cabbage as doneness indicator.

Storage & Tips

• Keeps in fridge: 3 days
• Reheat: Medium heat in skillet or microwave
• To double recipe: Use larger pan or cook in batches
• Freezing not recommended (affects texture)

Variations

• Creamy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.
• Spicy: Include red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Cheesy: Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
• Tangy: Add splash of apple cider vinegar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking cabbage (should maintain some crunch).
• Discarding too much bacon fat (needed for flavor).
• Under-seasoning (cabbage needs adequate salt).
• Rushing the caramelization process.

This recipe has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something quick but satisfying. The key is patience with the bacon rendering and cabbage caramelization – these steps build the foundation of flavor that makes this dish special.