Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to reinvent your leftover ham, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage recipe will surprise you with its delightful flavors. A comforting combination of cabbage, ham, bacon, and tangy vinegar gives this dish a vibrant yet hearty flavor. Even though it’s an easy recipe, the taste is pleasantly rich, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish for gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors—tender cabbage, salty ham, crispy bacon, and a hint of sweetness—will make this dish a favorite in no time!

Recipe Overview

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 235.8 kcal
Category: Ham, Pork
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Quick Meals, Less than 60 Minutes

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Ingredient	Quantity	Nutritional Information
Cabbage	1 head	Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins
Butter	½ cup	Contains healthy fats, some cholesterol
Margarine	½ cup	Similar to butter, provides fat
Ham (cut into small pieces)	1 cup	Rich in protein, moderate fat content
Bacon (fried, crumbled)	2 slices	Adds crunch, flavor, and fat
Onion (chopped)	1 medium	Adds depth of flavor, rich in antioxidants
Vinegar	½ cup	Provides the tangy flavor, very low in calories
Sugar	½ cup	Adds sweetness to balance the acidity
Salt and Pepper	To taste	Essential seasoning

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	235.8 kcal
Fat Content	3.5 g
Saturated Fat	1.1 g
Cholesterol	29.5 mg
Sodium	892.7 mg
Carbohydrates	37.8 g
Fiber	4.5 g
Sugar	32.5 g
Protein	15.5 g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
While the water heats up, cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core.
Once the water comes to a boil, add the cabbage and cook until it becomes soft and tender, which should take about 15–20 minutes.
Once the cabbage is soft, drain it thoroughly.

Step 2: Frying the Cabbage and Ham

In a large frying pan, melt the butter and margarine over medium heat. Add the boiled cabbage to the pan, allowing it to sauté and absorb the flavors of the butter.
Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cabbage should begin to take on a light golden color from the butter.

Step 3: Add Ham and Bacon

Once the cabbage is well-coated in butter, it’s time to add the protein.
Stir in the cut-up ham pieces and the fried, crumbled bacon. The combination of ham and bacon brings both a savory and slightly salty depth to the dish, making it more hearty.

Step 4: Flavor with Onion and Vinegar

Next, toss in the chopped onion. The onion adds a subtle sharpness that complements the richness of the bacon and ham.
Pour in the vinegar, which will give the dish its characteristic tangy flavor, balancing the sweet and savory elements.

Step 5: Season and Sweeten

Add sugar to the mixture. The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the vinegar, creating that distinctive sweet and sour profile. Adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or sour you want the final dish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the bacon and ham add a lot of saltiness to the dish.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a delicious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Stir occasionally to make sure the cabbage doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

After simmering, your Sweet and Sour Cabbage is ready to serve. Spoon it onto a plate or serve it as a side to your favorite main dish.
This dish is best enjoyed warm, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of meats or as a standalone meal.

Cooking Tips:

Customizing the Tanginess: You can adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar based on your preference for a more tangy or sweeter dish.
Texture Preferences: If you like your cabbage to have a little crunch, reduce the boiling time slightly, so it retains more texture.
Add a Smoky Element: For extra depth, try using smoked bacon or smoked ham, which will lend an additional layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the ham and bacon, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian option. You might want to add more onions and a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
Side Dish Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or even a refreshing cucumber salad to contrast the richness.

Variations:

Apple Addition: Add some sliced apples to the dish while it simmers to bring out more sweetness. The apples will soften and meld beautifully with the cabbage.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a little heat in their sweet and sour dishes.
Carrot Crunch: For added texture and color, thinly slice some carrots and sauté them with the onions.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Sweet and Sour Cabbage alongside roasted pork loin or grilled sausages for a complete meal.
It’s also fantastic served over a bed of mashed potatoes or even as a topping for rice for a simple yet hearty dish.

Storage and Leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage is truly a hidden gem in the world of simple recipes. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can transform humble cabbage into a flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Perfect for those nights when you need to whip up something quick yet delicious, or when you’re looking for a unique side dish to serve at your next gathering.

Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to make it your own with the customizable variations!