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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Print
Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage Recipe uses just five simple ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty side dish. Perfect for celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day or adding a comforting touch to any dinner, this recipe features thick-cut bacon cooked with cabbage, onion, and mustard seeds simmered gently in chicken broth for tender, tasty results.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces thick-cut bacon
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 large onion
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Cut the bacon strips into 4 pieces each and separate the pieces. Add the bacon pieces to the pot and stir occasionally. Cook until the bacon is cooked through but not fully crispy, allowing the fat to render out.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the bacon cooks, peel the onion and cut it into 8 wedges. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and then cut into 12 wedges.
- Sauté the Onion: Once the bacon is mostly cooked, add the onion wedges to the pot. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Simmer: Add the cabbage wedges, chicken broth, and mustard seeds to the pot. Stir to position the cabbage at the bottom and the bacon on top. Cover the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the thickest parts of the cabbage are tender, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by whole grain mustard on the side for additional flavor.
Notes
- Leftover cabbage and bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a large skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor rather than using a microwave.
- For a vegetarian alternative, omit bacon and substitute vegetable broth and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Mustard seeds can be omitted if unavailable or replaced with a teaspoon of prepared mustard for tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg



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