Description
This Quick Black Folks Southern Cabbage recipe is a flavorful and comforting Southern side dish that combines tender cabbage with butter, Old Bay seasoning, and a tangy splash of apple cider vinegar. Perfect to pair with fried chicken, pork chops, or cornbread, it offers a budget-friendly, easy-to-make addition to any meal with simple pantry ingredients and a satisfying, home-cooked taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 lb green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage and Onion: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut out the core, then coarsely chop the cabbage leaves using a food processor or knife. Dice the yellow onion and set both aside.
- Melt the Butter: Place a cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
- Cook the Cabbage Mixture: Add the chopped cabbage and diced onion to the skillet with the melted butter. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Uncovered: Remove the lid from the skillet and continue cooking the cabbage mixture over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally and ensure that not all of the broth evaporates to keep the cabbage moist.
- Serve: Once the cabbage is cooked and flavors have melded, serve immediately while hot and enjoy this Southern comfort food classic.
Notes
- Use medium-low to medium heat to avoid overcooking and turning the cabbage mushy.
- Add chicken broth gradually to prevent waterlogging and bland flavor.
- Cooking the onions first until translucent builds essential flavor.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to prevent dilution of spices caused by cooking liquids.
- Substitutions: Use savoy or napa cabbage instead of green cabbage; substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for vegetarian version; replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free; Cajun seasoning can replace Old Bay; white vinegar or lemon juice can replace apple cider vinegar.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on stove over medium-low with occasional stirring, adding chicken broth if dry.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, Quick & Easy, Vegetables
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern cabbage recipe, quick cabbage side dish, Black folks southern cooking, comfort food side, buttered cabbage recipe, easy southern vegetables, Old Bay seasoning cabbage
