Stir-Fry Collard Greens

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Southern

A flavorful and hearty stir-fry featuring tender collard greens, savory bacon drippings, and aromatic onions, perfect as a nutritious side or vegetarian main dish.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch collard greens
  • 2 Tbsp bacon drippings
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 ripe firm tomato
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Break off and discard stems of collard greens.
  2. Wash leaves thoroughly.
  3. Slice leaves into bite-size pieces by rolling several leaves together and cutting into 1/4-inch strips.
  4. Blanch greens in boiling water for 30 minutes.
  5. Drain well.
  6. Melt bacon drippings in a large skillet.
  7. Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
  8. Stir in diced tomato and cook until just tender.
  9. Add greens to the onion mixture and stir until well coated.
  10. Cook until greens are tender.
  11. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more robust flavor, consider adding garlic or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute. Blanching the collard greens helps to soften them and reduce bitterness, but be careful not to overcook them; you want them tender yet vibrant. Pair this dish with hearty pork recipes for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stir-fry collard greens as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with German Heaven And Earth, offering a delightful contrast of flavors. For a complete meal, consider adding a grain like quinoa or rice, or serve with cornbread to soak up the delicious juices.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover stir-fry collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short intervals until heated through, but be careful not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stir-Fry Collard Greens contains roughly 202 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 585mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

202 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 12.7g 16% DV
Carbs 21.1g 8% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 585.3mg 25% DV
Potassium 132.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.2mg 4% DV
Calcium 54.9mg 4% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 use other greens instead of collard greens?

Yes, you can substitute collard greens with other hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly. Each green has its own unique flavor and texture, which can add a new dimension to your dish.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this stir-fry collard greens vegetarian, simply replace the bacon drippings with olive oil or coconut oil. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or liquid smoke to introduce a depth of flavor that mimics the richness of bacon.

What can I do with leftover collard greens?

Leftover collard greens can be incorporated into various dishes. Try adding them to soups, like German Bean Soup, or mix them into omelets for a nutritious breakfast. You can also use them as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or simply enjoy them cold in a salad.

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).

Pork recipes → All recipes →