Smoked Cabbage with Crispy Bacon Recipe

Smoked cabbage is an easy but extremely flavorful dish that transforms a humble vegetable right into a smoky, caramelized, and barely crispy delight. The slow-smoking course of permits the cabbage to soak up the wealthy, wood-fired aroma whereas sustaining a young however agency texture.

Topped with crispy bacon, contemporary herbs, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish is the proper aspect for barbecue, grilled meats, and even as a hearty vegetarian important (by omitting the bacon).

Whether or not you’re searching for a brand new barbecue aspect dish or a method to elevate cabbage to gourmand standing, this smoked cabbage is a must-try.

Components

For the Cabbage:

• 1 giant head of inexperienced cabbage, lower into quarters or wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed purple pepper flakes (non-obligatory, for warmth)

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (omit for vegetarian model)
• 2 tablespoons contemporary parsley or chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or honey for a contact of sweetness)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Put together the Cabbage

• Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F utilizing hickory, applewood, or cherry wooden for a gentle but flavorful smoke.
• Take away any powerful outer leaves from the cabbage and lower it into quarters or thick wedges, conserving the core intact to carry the layers collectively.
• In a small bowl, combine collectively olive oil (or melted butter), salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and purple pepper flakes.
• Brush or rub the seasoning combination evenly over all sides of the cabbage wedges.

2. Smoke the Cabbage

• Place the cabbage straight on the smoker grates or on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Shut the lid and let the cabbage smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours, or till the outer edges are caramelized and barely crispy, and the within is tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Add the Toppings

• Whereas the cabbage is smoking, prepare dinner the bacon in a skillet over medium warmth till crispy. Drain on a paper towel and crumble.
• Take away the smoked cabbage from the smoker and drizzle with balsamic glaze (or honey).
• Sprinkle the crispy bacon and contemporary parsley or chives excessive.

4. Serve & Take pleasure in

• Serve the cabbage wedges heat as a aspect dish for smoked meats, grilled rooster, or steak.
• For a vegetarian model, skip the bacon and add toasted nuts or crumbled feta for texture and richness.

Cooking Ideas & Notes

Greatest Smoking Wooden for Cabbage

• Hickory: Provides a powerful, smoky taste, nice for pairing with bacon.
• Applewood or Cherrywood: Milder and barely candy, excellent for a balanced style.
• Oak or Pecan: A medium-smoke choice that provides a nutty undertone.

Make it Spicier

• Add a touch of cayenne pepper or additional crushed purple pepper flakes to the seasoning combine.
• Drizzle with a little bit of sizzling honey or spicy barbecue sauce earlier than serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
• Reheat within the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for a crispier texture.

Serving Strategies

• Serve alongside grilled or smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, or grilled rooster.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or a contemporary inexperienced salad for a balanced meal.
• Prime with grated Parmesan or blue cheese for an additional layer of taste.

This smoked cabbage is a straightforward, smoky, and flavorful dish that provides a daring twist to a easy vegetable. Take pleasure in its crispy edges, tender middle, and mouthwatering toppings at your subsequent barbecue or household dinner!