Southern Comfort on a Plate: Dive Into Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails

Photo byAngie Bright

If you're looking for a down-home dish that packs flavor and comfort into every bite, Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails might just be your new go-to. This recipe isn't just about the ingredients; it's about tradition, simplicity, and Southern flavor. A staple in many Southern kitchens, this dish combines the rich, smoky taste of pig tails with the savory goodness of sautéed cabbage, making it perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together.

Pig tails are often overlooked, but in Southern cooking, they provide a unique, tender, and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the mild taste of cabbage. This dish is all about letting humble ingredients shine, creating something that feels both hearty and comforting. As the pig tails simmer and the cabbage soaks up all the delicious seasonings, the dish transforms into something that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.

The Magic of Simple Ingredients

This Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients, but when combined, they create a dish that's full of bold, southern charm. The subtle sweetness of the cabbage balances out the savory, rich taste of the pig tails, and the added spices bring a little bit of heat and depth. Each bite of cabbage is infused with the flavor of the creole seasoning, garlic, and bacon fat, making this dish a true celebration of Southern comfort food.

The chicken stock adds a savory undertone that makes the cabbage melt in your mouth, while the red pepper flakes give just enough of a kick to make it interesting. And don't worry if pig tails aren't your thing – this recipe is flexible. You can easily swap out the meat for sausage, smoked turkey, or neck bones. Or, if you're feeling like going meat-free, you can simply omit the meat altogether and still enjoy a satisfying dish.

Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage (chopped)
• Pig tails (amount based on preference)
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 small chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Bacon fat (for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing and boiling the pig tails in a large pot for about 1 1/2 hours. This process helps tenderize the pig tails, giving them a rich, savory flavor that will complement the cabbage perfectly.
2. While the pig tails are boiling, chop your cabbage and prepare the remaining ingredients. Once the pig tails are nearly done, heat a heavy pan on medium and add a small amount of bacon fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pan, stirring frequently for a couple of minutes until the onions begin to turn translucent.
4. Next, toss in the cabbage, garlic powder, Tony’s Creole seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture to coat the cabbage evenly with the spices and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that all the flavors meld together.
5. After the cabbage has cooked down slightly, add the pig tails and chicken stock. Give the mixture a good stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan.
6. Let the dish cook for another 45 minutes or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Serve hot, and enjoy this rich, flavorful southern dish!

A Southern Classic for Every Occasion

Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails isn’t just a dish; it’s a comfort food classic that represents the soul of Southern cooking. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, bringing together the perfect balance of hearty ingredients and bold spices. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because, it’s sure to bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction to the table. And, as mentioned, feel free to get creative with the meat or go completely meatless – the versatility of this recipe means it can be tailored to suit any taste.

Here are a few helpful sources that can guide you in making Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails:

1. AllRecipes: Offers a detailed guide on Southern-style pig tails, showing how they are boiled with aromatics like onion and garlic for about two hours to achieve a tender texture. The tails are then seasoned with red pepper flakes for extra flavor​(Allrecipes).
2. Serious Eats: Provides insights into achieving crispy fried pig tails through a two-step cooking process—first boiling or braising to tenderize the meat, then deep-frying to create a crispy exterior. This method results in juicy, flavorful meat with a crunchy skin​(Serious Eats).
3. Texas Real Food: Focuses on marinating and braising techniques, followed by either frying or oven-baking the pig tails to ensure tenderness while maintaining a crispy outer layer. They emphasize using flavors like garlic, soy sauce, and wine​(Discover Real Food in Texas).
4. eHow: Offers a simpler take on pig tails, explaining how to boil them with basic seasonings and then adding them to cabbage for a traditional Southern dish​(ehow.com).

These sources can help you prepare the dish, giving variations on the cooking techniques and seasoning options to make the most flavorful Fried Cabbage with Pig Tails.