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

If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both hearty and fresh, this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe will hit all the right notes. The smoky bacon mingles beautifully with tender cabbage and a touch of mustard seeds, creating a simple yet flavorful meal.

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 love making this dish any time I want a taste of traditional Irish comfort food without fuss. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare and perfect for sharing with family—especially around St. Patrick’s Day!

Simple ingredients: Just a handful of staples you likely already have on hand.
Rich flavor: Thick-cut bacon imparts a smoky depth that complements the cabbage.
Easy preparation: One pot, one stovetop, and less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile side: A perfect accompaniment to traditional Irish meals or even a casual dinner night.

Ingredients & Why They Work

With just five main ingredients, this recipe keeps things straightforward. I always recommend picking thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture and flavor, and choosing a fresh green cabbage with crisp leaves to keep the dish vibrant.

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: Adds smoky richness and holds up well during simmering without turning mushy.
Green cabbage: The tender leaves soften nicely while still offering a bit of bite and color.
Large onion: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory bacon perfectly.
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the cabbage and bacon.
Mustard seeds: Provide a subtle aromatic punch and gentle heat to brighten the whole dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.

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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 parts about this Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to customize it with flavors and ingredients that suit your mood or pantry. After all, cooking should be fun and a little personal!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the thick-cut bacon for smoked tofu or tempeh for a delightful plant-based twist that still gives you a smoky, satisfying bite.
Seasonal Spin: Add some diced carrots or parsnips when you add the cabbage for extra color and sweetness, perfect during the colder months.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the mustard seeds to give a subtle kick that balances beautifully with the richness of the bacon.
Herbaceous Note: Fresh parsley or thyme stirred in just before serving adds a lovely brightness and rounds out the flavors.

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: Sizzle the Bacon Just Right

Start by placing a large stockpot over medium heat — this is going to be the foundation of all those rich, smoky flavors. Cut your 24 ounces of thick-cut bacon into 4 pieces each and separate them, so they cook evenly. Add the bacon pieces to the pot and stir frequently. Cook until they’re cooked through but not fully crispy — you’re looking for that perfect balance where the fat is rendered but the bacon still has a bit of softness to it. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen and really set the mood!

Step 2: Soften the Onions

While your bacon is doing its magic, peel your large onion and cut it into 8 wedges. Add these wedges straight into the pot with the bacon and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to soften and start turning translucent, which adds a gentle sweetness to the dish. Keep the heat at medium so nothing burns — just a lovely gentle softening alongside that gorgeous bacon flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage for Simmering

Next, it’s time for the star vegetable: the cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half and remove the tough core from the center. Then cut those halves into 12 wedges total. These cabbage wedges will soak up all the flavors from the bacon and broth as they cook, turning wonderfully tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer Flavors and Add Broth

Now, add the cabbage wedges to your pot along with 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon mustard seeds. Stir gently to rearrange the cabbage so it moves to the bottom — this helps it soak up the broth — and bring the bacon upward. The combination of mustard seeds with the chicken broth creates a subtle, aromatic punch that takes this simple dish to the next level.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir

Cover the pot and let everything simmer for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir once or twice during this time to keep the cabbage cooking evenly and to mix the flavors around. You’ll know it’s ready when the thickest parts of the cabbage wedges are tender but still hold their shape — soft, not mushy. The kitchen should be smelling like a comforting Irish kitchen by now!

Step 6: Season and Serve Warm

Finally, taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the dish warm, and if you like, add a side of whole grain mustard for a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and tender cabbage. This recipe makes 8 hearty servings — perfect for sharing with family or friends!

Top Tip

Mastering the Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is all about balancing textures and layering flavors. These tips will help you bring out the very best in each simple ingredient.

Choosing Bacon Wisely: Thick-cut bacon adds a wonderful smoky richness without turning too crisp. I always reach for the thick slices because they hold up well during simmering and impart a deeper flavor.
Onion Prep Matters: Cutting the onion into wedges rather than slices helps it soften gently while maintaining a little bite. I learned this from trial and error when thin slices would sometimes disappear completely into the dish.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keeping your pot at a gentle simmer ensures the cabbage steams tender but not mushy. I find stirring once or twice helps the cabbage cook evenly and lets the bacon flavor swirl throughout.
Salt Last: Because the bacon and chicken broth already bring saltiness, I add salt toward the end tasting carefully. This way I avoid over-seasoning, a mistake I made during early attempts.

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

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish beautifully. For a tangy kick, serve with a dollop of whole grain mustard on the side—its texture and flavor complement the richness perfectly. A wedge of lemon can also add a fresh zing if you like a bit of citrus contrast.

Side Dishes

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry shines as a hearty side alongside colcannon or creamy mashed potatoes. It also pairs nicely with crusty soda bread to soak up the savory juices, making your meal feel authentically rustic and comforting. For a protein boost, add grilled sausages or a simple roast chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick, comforting meal during the week.

Freezing

While refrigeration is best for short-term keeping, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore the bacon’s texture and prevents the cabbage from becoming too soggy, unlike microwaving which can sometimes make it mushy. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bacon for this recipe?

Yes! While thick-cut bacon is recommended for its smoky richness and texture, you can use regular bacon slices. Just monitor the cooking time closely as thinner bacon will crisp up faster.

Do I need to peel the cabbage?

It's not necessary to peel the cabbage, but you'll want to remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged before cutting it into wedges for a tender result.

What can I substitute for mustard seeds?

If you don’t have mustard seeds, you can use a teaspoon of prepared mustard or mustard powder as an alternative to maintain that signature tangy flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for St. Patrick’s Day?

Absolutely! This traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a classic for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and comforting all-year round.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Bacon and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe reminds me how the simplest ingredients, treated with care, can bring such warmth and nostalgia to the table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cozy side dish, this recipe delivers hearty flavors and satisfying comfort every time. Give it a try and let the rich aroma of bacon mingling with tender cabbage fill your kitchen with joy.