If you need a quick side dish that feels warm, simple, and satisfying, this fried cabbage is a great one to keep on repeat. It uses just a few basic ingredients, cooks in one pan, and works well with almost any protein. You can serve it as an easy side dish or enjoy it as a light main when you want something budget friendly and comforting without much effort.

Below you’ll find the ingredients, step by step instructions, nutrition information, and a few simple tips to help this fried cabbage turn out well every time.

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Quick Overview

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Diet: keto, low carb
  • Best for: quick low carb side dish, simple weeknight meals

Ingredients

  • 700 g cabbage, about 1 medium head
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins

  • Garlic powder or fresh garlic
  • Smoked paprika
  • Bacon pieces
  • Chilli flakes
  • A squeeze of lemon at the end

These are very simple ingredients, which is exactly why this recipe works so well on busy days.

Sliced raw cabbage ready to cook

How to Prepare

1. Prep the vegetables

Slice the cabbage into thin strips and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Start cooking
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cabbage, then season with salt and black pepper.
3. Sauté until tender
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to brown slightly while still keeping a little texture.
4. Serve hot
Serve as a low carb side dish with meat or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Cabbage and onion sautéing in butter in a wok

What to Serve with Keto Fried Cabbage

This keto fried cabbage works well with simple proteins like grilled chicken, oven-baked fish, sausages, or burgers without the bun. It is also a practical side dish for weeknight meals when you want something warm, low carb, and fast to make.

Tips for the best fried cabbage

  • Keep the heat at medium so the cabbage softens and browns slightly without turning watery.
  • Slice the cabbage evenly so it cooks at the same pace.
  • If you like it softer, cook it for 2 to 3 minutes longer.
  • For extra flavour, add garlic or bacon during the sauté stage.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 4)

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Net carbs: 5 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Fat: 10 g

Why This Keto Fried Cabbage Works

  • Low carb and easy: a simple way to add a warm vegetable side to your meal.
  • Budget friendly: made with a few basic ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Fast to cook: ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
  • Versatile: works with different proteins and also as a light meal on its own.
  • Comforting: buttery, warm, and satisfying without being heavy.
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Healthy Food Made Simple

Easy recipes, realistic meal ideas and practical healthy eating tips from By Suzike Bites.

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This keto fried cabbage recipe is one of the easiest low carb side dishes to keep in rotation when you want something warm, simple, and budget friendly. It uses everyday ingredients, takes very little time, and pairs well with all kinds of proteins, which makes it especially useful for busy weeknights.

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