Fried ham and cabbage is one of those comforting dishes where savory meets satisfying simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe brings together tender ham and crispy cabbage, all aglow with a buttery glaze that you’ll find hard to resist. The combination of flavors creates a delightful, warm sensation in your mouth, making it the perfect addition to any meal. After your first bite, you’ll probably wonder why you hadn’t made it sooner!
Many of us grew up with ham and cabbage as a cozy family staple, bringing nostalgia with every forkful. This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or any time you want a filling meal without breaking the bank. Plus, it comes together in just about 45 minutes, so it’s ideal for busy nights when you crave something hearty without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory ham mixes beautifully with sweet and earthy cabbage for a comfort-food classic.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful presentation makes it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it pairs well with everything.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by choosing gluten-free broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter: This adds richness and helps caramelize the ingredients while cooking.
- 3 cups cooked ham, chopped: Using leftover ham makes this dish economical and adds delicious meatiness. Feel free to substitute with any leftover meat you have on hand.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions enhance the flavor, providing a sweet undertone as they sauté.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces a lovely aromatic element and depth to this dish.
- ½ medium head cabbage, cored and chopped: Cabbage provides a satisfying crunch and absorbs the tangy flavors brilliantly. If you prefer, you can use bok choy or kale as alternatives.
- 1 cup chicken broth: A splash of broth keeps the dish moist and infuses additional flavor. Vegetable broth also works well for a lighter option.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best to bring out the full flavor.
How to Make Fried Ham and Cabbage
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the leftover ham and onion. Slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Sauté Ham and Onion: In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped ham and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize, enriching the flavors.
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Add Garlic: Mix in the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
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Cook the Cabbage: Add the cored and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together, cooking for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften.
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Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Finish Cooking: After 8 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. This allows most of the broth to evaporate and leaves you with a savory mixture that is bursting with flavor.
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Garnish: To elevate the dish, add fresh thyme as a garnish before serving. It provides a lovely aroma and complements the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
You can store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, transfer it to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Just keep in mind that the cabbage might soften further, so if you prefer a bit of crunch, aim to eat it fresh!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your ham is chopped evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- For an extra flavor boost, sauté the ham until it’s slightly crispy before adding the onions—this adds a delightful texture.
- If you’d like a bit of heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes while cooking.
- To save time during weeknight meals, prep your vegetables ahead of time, so you’re ready to whip this up in a flash.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for a unique twist—I’ve also found fresh rosemary works wonders!
There’s something undeniably comforting about Fried Ham and Cabbage; it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it invites you to make it your own. Play around with additional spices or different meats based on your pantry staples. You’ll soon see how versatile and fulfilling this recipe can be.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of cooked?
Certainly! Using fresh cabbage gives the dish a crunchier texture, but make sure to sauté it long enough to soften.
What type of ham works best?
Leftover ham is ideal; however, feel free to use deli ham or even turkey ham. Just adjust the seasoning as cured meats can vary in saltiness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Fried Ham and Cabbage lasts well in the refrigerator and is perfect for lunchboxes. Pack it up with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal!
Print
Fried Ham and Cabbage
Fried Ham and Cabbage brings together the savory taste of cooked ham and tender cabbage for a quick and satisfying meal. This simple dish highlights seasoned ham, sautéed onions, and garlic, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and comforting dinner option that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups cooked ham chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ medium head cabbage cored and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the leftover ham and onion, and slice the cabbage.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ham and onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Then add the cabbage and cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.
- Add the broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir. Cover the pan and cook for about 8 minutes.
- Take the lid off and cook for another 5 minutes, until most of the broth evaporates.
- Garnish with thyme.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs, like thyme or parsley, during cooking.
Make sure to chop the cabbage thinly for even cooking.
This dish works well as a leftover meal; feel free to use any excess ham from previous meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
