Cabbage Wedges With Tangy Hot Dressing
Cabbage Wedges With Tangy Hot Dressing features hearty cabbage paired with a flavorful vinegar and bacon-based sauce. The tangy, slightly sweet dressing complements the crisp wedges, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a comforting vegetarian main for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
- Dissolve cornstarch in apple juice in a small bowl. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, and caraway seeds; set aside.
- Add sliced green onion to the hot bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook and stir until the onion is soft but not browned.
- Place cabbage wedges, cut side down, in the skillet with the drippings.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture over the cabbage wedges.
- Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes.
- Carefully turn the cabbage wedges over with a spatula and continue cooking as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the dressing. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace bacon with smoked paprika for that smoky taste. If you don't have caraway seeds, dill or fennel seeds can be a great substitute. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
These cabbage wedges make a delicious side dish to accompany grilled meats or BBQ, and they pair wonderfully with Pork recipes like Roast Pork With Sauerkraut. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a grain dish such as American Fried Rice for a satisfying balance. Garnish with crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this might make the texture softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Wedges With Tangy Hot Dressing contains roughly 210 calories, with 2g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cabbage and dressing a day in advance. Store the cabbage wedges in water to keep them crisp, and keep the dressing in a separate container. When ready to serve, simply heat the bacon drippings and cook the cabbage as directed.
What can I use instead of apple juice?
If you don't have apple juice on hand, you can use unsweetened apple cider or even white grape juice as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, try using orange juice, but be aware that it will alter the taste slightly.
How do I know when the cabbage is done cooking?
The cabbage wedges are done when they are tender yet still have a slight crunch. You can test them with a fork; they should pierce easily but not fall apart. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the wedges.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).