Name: Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 24 ounces thick-cut bacon; 1 large green cabbage; 1 large onion; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something wonderfully simple and comforting about an Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe that uses just a handful of ingredients but delivers a punch of flavor. If you love hearty, home-style dishes with a bit of an Irish twist, you’re definitely going to want to try this one.

The image shows a deep purple pot filled with cooked cabbage and bacon. The dish has roughly three layers: a base of soft, wilted pale green and yellow cabbage leaves, a middle mix of tender white cabbage with some light green pieces, and crispy small chunks of reddish-brown bacon scattered evenly throughout. There are small black mustard seeds sprinkled on top, adding a speckled texture to the dish. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, especially around Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s reliably delicious and always brings a warm, cozy vibe to the table with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to dress up cabbage in a way that even skeptics love.

Simple Ingredients: Just five main ingredients means it’s easy to shop for and quick to prepare.
Rich Flavor: Thick-cut bacon renders savory goodness that infuses the cabbage perfectly.
Tender Texture: Simmering the cabbage in chicken broth with mustard seeds makes every bite juicy and flavorful.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Saint Patrick’s Day or a cozy weeknight dinner, it fits right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this dish, keep things simple and focused on quality. Thick-cut bacon brings the perfect balance of fat and meat, while a fresh green cabbage ensures those tender, flavorful bites after simmering. Mustard seeds add a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish.

Flat lay of thick-cut raw bacon strips arranged loosely, a large fresh green cabbage cut in half showing crisp leaves, a whole large yellow onion peeled with natural skin texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear chicken broth, and a small white ceramic bowl containing whole mustard seeds, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Thick-cut bacon: The star protein here, thick slices render flavorful fat and provide a hearty bite without crisping too much.
Green cabbage: Choose a large, firm head with tightly packed leaves to ensure tenderness after simmering.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it sautés alongside the bacon.
Chicken broth: Creates a savory simmering liquid that keeps the cabbage juicy and infuses every bite.
Mustard seeds: A little burst of warmth and earthiness that lifts the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to taste — always essential in bringing out the best in your dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add a smoky twist, make it vegetarian, or switch up the seasoning, this dish welcomes your personal touch!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped out the bacon for smoked paprika and used vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a smoky, meat-free version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Mustard-Free Option: If you don’t have mustard seeds on hand, I sometimes replace them with a teaspoon of prepared mustard stirred in at the end for a similar tangy punch.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding chopped carrots or parsnips along with the cabbage to bring a bit of sweetness and extra color for a different seasonal feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

The image shows a spoon lifted above a deep white bowl with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces inside. On the spoon, there are layers of soft, light green cabbage leaves with a slightly glossy texture mixed with small, crispy, reddish-brown bacon bits. The cabbage looks tender and juicy, and the bacon has a slightly crunchy appearance. In the background, the dish inside the bowl has a similar mix of cabbage and bacon, with steam rising, giving a warm and fresh feel. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Render the Bacon to Perfection

Start by placing a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into four pieces each and separate them well. Add the bacon pieces to the pot and stir occasionally. You want to cook the bacon until it’s cooked through but still tender — not fully crispy — so the fat has plenty of time to render out, creating the flavorful base for the dish. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes and you’ll notice the wonderful aroma of bacon fat filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the bacon cooks, peel your large onion and slice it into eight wedges. Then, take your large green cabbage, cut it in half, remove the tough core, and slice into 12 wedges. Having these ready keeps the cooking process smooth and seamless.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion Until Aromatic

Once the bacon is nearly cooked through, add the onion wedges directly to the pot. Let them sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they soften and release a lovely, sweet fragrance that signals you’re well on your way to a delicious meal.

Step 4: Simmer the Cabbage with Broth and Mustard Seeds

Next, add the cabbage wedges, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds to the pot. Give everything a gentle stir so the cabbage settles at the bottom and the bacon floats on top. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, stir once or twice to ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become tender without falling apart—soft enough to enjoy but still with a little bite.

Step 5: Finish with Seasoning and Serve

After simmering, give the dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Serve it warm, and if you’re feeling extra festive or want to add a bit of zing, offer whole grain mustard on the side. It’s a perfect companion for this hearty Irish side dish!

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips will help you get that tender cabbage and perfectly cooked bacon every time!

Use thick-cut bacon: It renders out just the right amount of fat without turning too crispy, giving the dish that authentic hearty flavor and texture.
Don’t rush the simmer: Allowing the cabbage to cook gently in the chicken broth with mustard seeds brings out a tender, flavorful result — stirring once or twice keeps everything evenly cooked.
Layer the pot thoughtfully: Putting the cabbage on the bottom and bacon on top ensures the cabbage steams properly while the bacon finishes cooking without drying out.
Season towards the end: Because the broth and bacon add saltiness, it’s best to taste before adding salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

A silver pan filled with small pieces of cooked bacon that are crispy and reddish-brown, sizzling with some bubbling grease around them. A silver slotted spoon is resting inside the pan, lifting some bacon pieces. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with browned bits stuck to the pan's base, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the top add a lovely burst of color and freshness. A dollop of whole grain mustard on the side is a traditional and tangy complement that enhances the dish without overpowering it. For a little extra zip, consider a light drizzle of good-quality Irish butter melted over the cabbage just before serving.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery boiled new potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth. For a heartier meal, serve alongside corn bread or soda bread. You could also add a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to lighten up the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or to reheat for dinner during the week.

Freezing

For best quality, freezing is not recommended because the cabbage can become watery and lose texture when thawed. However, if you do choose to freeze, cool the dish completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the flavors vibrant and the textures just right, reheat leftovers in a large skillet over medium heat. This method helps maintain the perfect balance between tender cabbage and savory bacon. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the cabbage soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular bacon, but thick-cut bacon works best to balance the fat rendering and texture. Regular bacon may cook too quickly and become crisp, altering the intended texture of the dish.

What can I substitute for mustard seeds if I don't have any?

If you don't have mustard seeds, you can omit them or use about a teaspoon of prepared mustard instead. This will provide a similar tangy flavor without altering the dish too much.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding smoked paprika can give you a smoky flavor that helps mimic the richness of bacon.

How do I know when the cabbage is cooked properly?

The cabbage is done when the thickest parts are tender but not mushy. After simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, test by piercing a wedge with a fork; it should slide in easily with just a little resistance.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s so simple, yet rich with tradition and flavor, perfect for celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day or turning any meal into a cozy occasion. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to sides that everyone asks for again and again.