- Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses only one pan – minimal cleanup required
- Budget-friendly meal – costs under $15 for four servings
- Customize with spices – make it as mild or zesty as you like
Why This Fried Cabbage and Ham Recipe Works For Everyone
Does dinnertime feel like a chore? You’re not alone. Finding quick, affordable meals that everyone enjoys can be challenging.
This Fried Cabbage and Ham recipe solves your dinner dilemma. It combines tender cabbage with savory ham in a one-pan wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes.
The Fried Cabbage and Ham delivers big flavors without fancy ingredients. It’s comfort food that won’t wreck your budget. Even picky eaters love this hearty dish!
Ready to transform humble cabbage into a meal your family will request again and again? Let’s get cooking!
Nutrition Comparison: Fried Cabbage and Ham vs. Takeout
| Nutrient | Fried Cabbage and Ham | Average Takeout Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 per serving | 850-1200 per serving |
| Protein | 21g | 25g |
| Fat | 14g | 45-60g |
| Carbs | 15g | 80-100g |
| Fiber | 6g | 3g |
| Sodium | 820mg | 1500-2000mg |
| Cost | $3.50 per serving | $12-15 per serving |
What You’ll Need For Perfect Fried Cabbage and Ham
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 1 medium head | About 2-2.5 pounds |
| Cooked ham | 2 cups | Diced into ½-inch cubes |
| Onion | 1 medium | Yellow or white, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Unsalted |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Extra virgin preferred |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Adds tang |
| Chicken broth | ¼ cup | Low sodium |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | Sweet or smoked |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for heat |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet | 12-inch with lid, cast iron preferred |
| Chef’s knife | For chopping cabbage and other ingredients |
| Cutting board | Large enough for prepping cabbage |
| Measuring spoons | For spices and liquids |
| Measuring cups | For broth and other ingredients |
| Wooden spoon | For stirring without scratching pan |
| Tongs | Helpful for turning cabbage while cooking |
Substitution Options
- Ham: Use bacon, smoked sausage, or turkey ham
- Butter: Substitute with ghee or additional olive oil
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon
- Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice
- Green cabbage: Red cabbage or savoy cabbage (cooking time may vary)
Beginner’s Step-by-Step Fried Cabbage and Ham Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Preparation Phase – Setting Up For Success
- Gather all ingredients and tools:
- Before you start cooking, place all ingredients on your counter
- Check that you have all the necessary tools ready
- Read through the entire recipe once before beginning
- Preheat your large skillet on the stove (don’t add oil yet)
- Prepare the cabbage:
- Place the cabbage on a cutting board with the core side down for stability
- Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves and discard them
- Cut the cabbage in half through the core (from top to bottom)
- Place each half flat-side down on the cutting board
- Cut each half into quarters (you’ll have 4 wedges total)
- Hold each quarter at an angle and cut out the tough white core
- BEGINNER TIP: To remove the core, make a diagonal cut at the base of each quarter where the core is
- Lay each cored quarter flat on the cutting board
- Slice each quarter into 1-inch strips (about the width of your finger)
- IMPORTANT: Don’t cut strips too thin or they’ll get mushy when cooked
- Prepare the ham:
- Place ham on the cutting board
- Cut ham into ½-inch cubes (about the size of dice)
- BEGINNER TIP: If using packaged ham, pat it dry with paper towels first to remove excess moisture
- Place diced ham in a bowl and set aside
- Prepare the aromatics:
- Peel the onion and cut off both ends
- Cut the onion in half from top to bottom
- Place each half flat-side down on the cutting board
- Make lengthwise cuts in each half, without cutting all the way through
- Make crosswise cuts to create diced pieces about ¼-inch in size
- Place diced onion in a separate bowl
- Peel the garlic cloves by placing them under the flat side of your knife
- Gently press down with the heel of your hand to crush slightly – the peel will come off easily
- Mince the garlic cloves by making very fine cuts in multiple directions
- BEGINNER TIP: Keep the garlic separate from the onion as it will be added later
- Measure and prepare remaining ingredients:
- Measure out butter and olive oil
- Measure chicken broth in a measuring cup
- Measure apple cider vinegar (can be added to the same cup as broth)
- Measure all spices into small bowls or place them near your stove
- Wash and chop parsley, then set aside for garnish
Cooking Phase – Creating Your Fried Cabbage and Ham
- Heat your pan properly:
- Place your large skillet over medium heat
- Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Wait until the butter is completely melted and begins to foam slightly
- BEGINNER TIP: The butter should sizzle gently when melted, but not brown or smoke
- If the butter starts to brown, your heat is too high – remove the pan briefly and reduce heat
- Cook the onions thoroughly:
- Add the diced onion to the pan with melted butter and oil
- Using a wooden spoon, stir to coat all onion pieces with the fat
- Spread onions evenly across the pan’s surface
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30-45 seconds
- The onions should become translucent (see-through) and soft
- BEGINNER TIP: If onions start to brown too quickly, reduce heat
- VISUAL CUE: Onions are ready when they’re soft and slightly golden around the edges
- Add the garlic properly:
- Add the minced garlic to the softened onions
- Stir constantly for 30 seconds to prevent burning
- IMPORTANT WARNING: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter – watch carefully!
- VISUAL/SMELL CUE: Garlic is ready when it becomes fragrant but before it browns
- Cook the ham perfectly:
- Add all of the diced ham to the skillet with onions and garlic
- Spread ham pieces evenly across the pan
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally (about every 30 seconds)
- VISUAL CUE: The edges of the ham should begin to get slightly crispy and golden
- BEGINNER TIP: Different types of ham have different moisture levels – adjust cooking time accordingly
- If using pre-cooked ham, you’re just looking to heat it through and get some caramelization
- Add cabbage in stages:
- Add half of your sliced cabbage to the pan (it will seem like a lot but will cook down)
- Using tongs or a wooden spoon, stir and toss to coat cabbage with the oil mixture
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently
- VISUAL CUE: This first batch will begin to wilt and reduce in volume
- Once the first batch has wilted slightly, add the remaining cabbage
- Stir everything together to combine well
- BEGINNER TIP: Adding cabbage in batches makes it easier to manage in the pan
- Season the Fried Cabbage and Ham mixture:
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the mixture
- Add ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add 1 teaspoon paprika
- If using, add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Stir thoroughly to distribute all seasonings
- BEGINNER TIP: Hold your hand higher when sprinkling spices for more even distribution
- Add liquids and simmer:
- Pour ¼ cup chicken broth around the edges of the pan
- Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Stir everything together
- Using the wooden spoon, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is flavor!)
- Cover the skillet with a lid
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- VISUAL CUE: You should see gentle bubbling, not a hard boil
- Cook to perfect tenderness:
- Let the covered mixture cook for 10-12 minutes
- Remove the lid and stir every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking
- DONENESS TEST: Pierce a piece of cabbage with a fork – it should be tender but still have some texture
- BEGINNER TIP: The cabbage is overcooked if it’s mushy and translucent
- The cabbage is undercooked if it’s too crunchy and difficult to chew
- Final adjustments:
- After 10-12 minutes, remove the lid completely
- Taste a small piece of the Fried Cabbage and Ham mixture
- Add more salt or pepper if needed
- If there’s too much liquid in the pan, increase heat to medium-high
- Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid
- Stir frequently during this final cooking
- VISUAL CUE: The finished dish should be moist but not swimming in liquid
Serving Phase – Presenting Your Fried Cabbage and Ham
- Final presentation:
- Remove the skillet from heat
- Let it stand for 1 minute
- Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over the top
- BEGINNER TIP: Hold back some parsley to add to individual servings for a fresh garnish
- Gently stir once more to incorporate parsley
- Serve the Fried Cabbage and Ham:
- Use a large serving spoon to transfer to bowls or plates
- For a complete meal, serve with:
- Crusty bread on the side
- A simple green salad
- Roasted potatoes
- PRESENTATION TIP: Serve in shallow bowls for the best presentation
Troubleshooting Your Fried Cabbage and Ham
Common Issues and Solutions
Problem: Cabbage becomes too mushy
- Solution: You may be cutting the cabbage too small or cooking it too long. Use larger pieces (1-inch strips) and check for tenderness at the 8-minute mark. Remember that cabbage will continue cooking slightly after removing from heat.
Problem: Dish is too watery
- Solution: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high for the last few minutes of cooking to evaporate excess liquid. Different cabbages have different water content, so this may need adjustment.
Problem: Ham is too salty
- Solution: Rinse the ham before dicing or reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon. You can also try different ham varieties with lower sodium content.
Problem: Not enough flavor
- Solution: Add an extra splash of vinegar at the end of cooking, or try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Make sure you’re seasoning the dish adequately – cabbage needs proper seasoning.
Problem: Garlic burns and tastes bitter
- Solution: Always add garlic after onions have softened, and cook for only 30 seconds before adding the next ingredients.
Variations & Substitutions for Fried Cabbage and Ham
Flavor Variations
- Southern Style Fried Cabbage and Ham:
- Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce at the end
- German Inspired Fried Cabbage and Ham:
- Replace apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of German mustard
- Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds with the spices
- Irish Twist Fried Cabbage and Ham:
- Add 1 cup of diced potatoes when cooking the onions
- Increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure potatoes are tender
- Low-Carb Fried Cabbage and Ham:
- Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions
- Include 1 diced bell pepper for extra color and nutrients
Diet-Specific Modifications
Gluten-Free: This Fried Cabbage and Ham recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check ham packaging for hidden gluten
Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is already keto-friendly at approximately 15g of carbs per serving
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with additional olive oil or coconut oil
For an exciting variation, try pairing this with zucchini for a nutritious combo that adds even more vegetables to your meal.
Storage & Reheating Your Fried Cabbage and Ham
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
- Allow Fried Cabbage and Ham to cool completely before storing
- Transfer to airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- BEGINNER TIP: Divide into individual portions for easy reheating
Freezer:
- This Fried Cabbage and Ham dish can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Leave some headspace in containers for expansion
- Label with date and contents
- IMPORTANT NOTE: The texture of the cabbage may change slightly after freezing
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Methods
Stovetop (Recommended for best texture):
- Place cold Fried Cabbage and Ham in a skillet over medium heat
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent sticking
- Cover with a lid
- Heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally
- VISUAL CUE: Steam should rise and ham pieces should be hot throughout
- BEGINNER TIP: Do not overheat or cabbage will become mushy
Microwave (Fastest method):
- Place Fried Cabbage and Ham in a microwave-safe dish
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out
- Heat on 70% power for 2 minutes
- Stir the mixture
- Heat for additional 30-second intervals if needed
- SAFETY TIP: Check that the center is hot before eating
Safety Notes & Tips for Fried Cabbage and Ham
Food Safety
- Ensure ham reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating leftovers
- Don’t leave the finished Fried Cabbage and Ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Always use clean utensils when serving
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage and Ham
- For maximum flavor: Let the onions get slightly golden before adding the garlic
- Texture tip: Don’t overcook the cabbage – it should be tender but still have some bite
- Flavor boost: Add a bay leaf while cooking (remove before serving)
- Save time: Use pre-shredded cabbage from the store (you’ll need about 8 cups)
- Brighten the flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving
- Even cooking: Make sure all cabbage strips are roughly the same size
- Enhance umami: Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with the broth
If you enjoy fermented foods, you might want to try this dish with sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage for a tangy variation.
Equipment Care After Making Fried Cabbage and Ham
- Cast iron skillets should be cleaned without soap and dried thoroughly to prevent rusting
- Wooden spoons should be hand washed rather than placed in the dishwasher
- Sharp knives should be washed separately to maintain their edge and prevent accidents
- Wipe down cutting boards with vinegar solution after cutting raw meat
This Fried Cabbage and Ham recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for beginners. Its versatility makes it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll create a Fried Cabbage and Ham dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!
