Fried Cabbage Ramen is a super yummy twist on classic fried cabbage with added noodles. It’s cheap, filling, and quick and easy to prepare for a side or main course.
Don’t miss our other recipes with ramen, including beef and broccoli ramen stir fry and ramen noodle salad.
Easy Fried Cabbage Noodles
I took my love of quick and easy ramen noodles and combined it with my popular fried cabbage recipe with notes from my beloved haluski. The end result? This tasty fried cabbage ramen.
It’s a delicious, filling dish that comes together in just 20 minutes that’s great as a side dish or even main coarse depending how many you’re serving.
While traditional fried cabbage noodles are made with egg noodles, using ramen is a winning variation – it’s one of my favorite shortcuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why I love this ramen recipe so much.
- Quick & easy. You’re looking at just 20 minutes to pull this dish together.
- Cheap! One reason I love making recipes with ramen instant noodles is that they’re just so cheap. This recipe is no exception.
- Yummy twist on a classic. I love Southern fried cabbage with bacon and adding ramen noodles turns that classic recipe into another delicious version of fried cabbage and noodles, without sacrificing any flavor.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need your basic fried cabbage ingredients, plus ramen noodles to make this recipe.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Bacon – I prefer thick-cut bacon in this recipe.
- Garlic & Onion – For aromatics and added flavor.
- Green cabbage – You can also use a package of angel hair coleslaw if you’re short on time.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy undertone to the fried cabbage.
- Light brown sugar – Just enough to balance out the other flavors.
- Salt & pepper – For flavor.
- Butter – I used salted butter for added flavor. If you opt for unsalted, you’ll likely want to add more salt.
- Ramen noodles – Any flavor since you’ll be discarding the spice packet.
How to Make Fried Cabbage Ramen
Here’s how to make this easy fried cabbage and noodles recipe.
(Don’t miss the detailed printable recipe card and video below.)
- Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Cook the garlic and onions. Reserve some grease in the pan. Cook the onions until translucent, then add to garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the cabbage. Add the cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper to the pan. Cook until the cabbage is wilted and tender. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and add the butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Remove from heat.
- Cook the noodles. Cook the ramen al dente according to package directions. Drain and add to the skillet with the cabbage. Toss with tongs to incorporate.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this fried cabbage with ramen recipe.
- Remember to discard the spice packet. We want only the noodles for this recipe. Don’t season them with the spice packet when cooking.
- Make it vegetarian. To turn this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use butter for cooking the cabbage.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage. You want the cabbage tender but crunchy, which offers a nice contrast to the soft noodles.
What to Serve with Fried Cabbage Ramen
We like to serve our traditional fried cabbage with Southern classics like fried green tomatoes and shrimp boil foil packets and this version would pair well with those too.
You could also serve this as a side to other dishes, like beer brats, baked chicken breast, or air fryer pork chops. Or simply serve it as the main course, with a side salad or another vegetable side like roasted broccoli.
Video: Ramen Fried Cabbage
Proper Storage
Fried cabbage ramen is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as ramen noodles don’t freeze well.
More Recipes with Ramen:
- Ramen Pad Thai
- Ground Beef Ramen Bowls
- Hot and Sour Ramen Soup
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Pork Ramen Stir Fry
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Fried Cabbage Ramen
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon , diced small
- 1 small onion , diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 head green cabbage , core removed and shredded (about 10 cups), (or a 10 ounce package angel hair coleslaw)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 packages Ramen noodles (3 ounces each, spice pouch discarded)
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Drain bacon on a papertowel lined plate.
- Reserve some of the bacon grease in the pan. Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Add the cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until wilted and tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the cooked bacon back to the pan along with the butter. Stir it in until the butter is melted and the bacon is distributed. Remove from the heat.
- In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to boil; add the ramen and cook until al dente, separating the noodles as they cook; 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and add to the skillet with the cabbage. Gently toss the mixture together using tongs until incorporated.
- Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately.
This was easy and delicious – even my picky kids enjoyed it!