How Many Carbs Are in Fried Cabbage? A Low-Carb Nutrition Guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a cup of raw shredded cabbage contains a little over 4 grams of total carbohydrates, making it a naturally low-carb vegetable. Therefore, fried cabbage can be an excellent addition to a low-carb diet, but the total carb count depends heavily on preparation methods and added ingredients.

Quick Summary

The carb count in fried cabbage is influenced by cooking methods and ingredients. Cabbage is naturally low in carbs, but additions like sugar, high-carb vegetables, or excessive oil can increase the total. Net carbs are low, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. Healthy preparation can maximize its nutritional benefits.

Key Points

Low Carb by Nature: Cabbage itself is very low in carbohydrates, with a cup of raw shredded cabbage containing only about 2 net carbs.
Additions Affect Carb Count: The final carb content of fried cabbage largely depends on added ingredients; avoiding sugar and high-carb additions like potatoes keeps it low-carb.
Keto-Friendly Option: When prepared with healthy fats like bacon grease or olive oil, fried cabbage is a perfect side dish for a keto diet.
Rich in Vitamins: Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C and K, and contains beneficial fiber and antioxidants.
Versatile Preparation: Recipes for fried cabbage can be easily customized to fit dietary needs, from simple preparations to savory versions with bacon and onions.
Focus on Net Carbs: For low-carb diets, focus on net carbs, which are total carbs minus fiber. Cabbage's high fiber content keeps its net carb count very low.
Healthy Fats for Flavor: Use cooking methods that incorporate healthy fats for flavor and texture, rather than relying on sugary sauces or high-carb ingredients.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content of Fried Cabbage

Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family and is naturally very low in carbohydrates. For those following low-carb diets like keto, understanding the nutritional profile of cooked foods is essential. The total carbohydrate count of fried cabbage is not a fixed number; it varies based on what is added to the skillet. A basic fried cabbage recipe with just oil, salt, and pepper will have a much different carb count than one with added sugar or high-carb vegetables.

Carbs vs. Net Carbs: What's the Difference?

When evaluating a food's impact on a low-carb diet, it is important to distinguish between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Total carbs include both dietary fiber and sugar, while net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber from the total carbohydrates. Since dietary fiber is not digestible and does not raise blood sugar, net carbs provide a more accurate picture of a food's impact on a low-carb diet. A cup of raw cabbage contains approximately 4 grams of total carbs and 2 grams of fiber, resulting in only about 2 net carbs. Frying the cabbage does not significantly change these values, assuming no high-carb ingredients are added.

Factors That Influence Carb Count in Fried Cabbage

Added Sugars: Some traditional fried cabbage recipes may call for a pinch of sugar to help with caramelization. While a small amount might not drastically increase the carb count, it is something to consider if you are strictly monitoring your intake.
High-Carb Ingredients: Adding other ingredients like potatoes, onions, or sugary sauces can quickly elevate the total carb count. While onions in moderation are fine, excessive amounts can add a significant number of carbs. Opt for low-carb flavor enhancers like garlic, spices, or vinegar.
Cooking Oil: Using healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, or bacon grease will not add any carbohydrates to the dish. However, these oils do add calories and fat, so moderation is key. The way the food absorbs oil during cooking can also affect its overall calorie density.
Portion Size: The most obvious factor is the portion size. A larger serving means a higher carb count. Many recipes state their nutrition facts based on a single serving, which is often around 1 cup of cooked cabbage.

Fried Cabbage Nutrition Comparison Table


Preparation Method	Total Carbs (per cup)	Net Carbs (per cup)	Added Ingredients	Notes
Simple Fried Cabbage	Approx. 8g	Approx. 5g	Bacon grease, salt, pepper	A low-carb, keto-friendly option with savory flavor from bacon fat.
Southern Fried Cabbage	Approx. 14g	Approx. 10g	Bacon, onion, sometimes sugar	The addition of onion and potentially sugar increases the carb count slightly.
Indian Cabbage Fry	Approx. 11g	Approx. 8g	Spices, onions, tomatoes, oil	Uses various spices but can be low-carb if vegetables like tomatoes and peas are limited.
Healthy Sautéed Cabbage	Approx. 18g	Approx. 12g	Olive oil, vinegar, minimal ingredients	Carb count is higher due to larger portion, but includes beneficial fiber.

How to Make Low-Carb Fried Cabbage

Creating a delicious and healthy fried cabbage dish that fits a low-carb diet is simple. The key is to focus on fresh, whole ingredients and avoid unnecessary carb sources.

Ingredients

1 large head of green cabbage, shredded
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1/2 small onion, diced (optional, for flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion (if using) and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Fry the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Finish the dish: Stir in the cooked bacon pieces. For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Serve immediately: Enjoy this flavorful and low-carb side dish hot.

The Health Benefits of Cabbage

Beyond its low-carb profile, cabbage offers a range of health benefits that make it an excellent choice for a nutritious diet. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Key Health Benefits

Rich in Vitamins: Cabbage is an impressive source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, and vitamin K, which plays a critical role in blood clotting and bone health.
Fiber-Filled: The high fiber content in cabbage supports digestive health and can help with weight management by promoting satiety.
Antioxidant Properties: It contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect the body's cells from damage.
Low in Calories: Raw cabbage is incredibly low in calories, making it a valuable food for weight loss or management.
Cruciferous Power: As a cruciferous vegetable, cabbage contains compounds that have been linked to potential anti-cancer effects.

Conclusion: Making the Best of Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is a versatile and satisfying dish that can easily be adapted for low-carb and keto diets. The number of carbs is inherently low, but it is important to be mindful of the ingredients you add during the frying process. By focusing on healthy fats like olive oil or bacon grease and avoiding sugary or high-carb additions, you can enjoy a delicious and nutrient-rich side dish. Whether you prefer a simple preparation with salt and pepper or a more savory version with bacon and onions, fried cabbage is a great way to boost your vegetable intake while keeping your carb count in check. Its impressive nutritional profile, rich in vitamins and fiber, makes it a healthy choice for almost any meal.

For more tips on incorporating low-carb vegetables into your diet, visit a trusted nutrition source like the CDC's Nutrition page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of net carbs in fried cabbage depends on the recipe. A simple preparation with just cabbage, bacon, and seasoning can have as low as 3 to 5 net carbs per serving. Adding more vegetables like onions will slightly increase the count.

Yes, fried cabbage is an excellent option for a keto diet. Cabbage is naturally very low in net carbohydrates, and using healthy fats like bacon grease or olive oil during cooking aligns perfectly with keto principles.

Adding bacon itself does not increase the carbohydrate content, as bacon contains zero carbs. However, the bacon grease is used for frying and adds fat and flavor to the dish, while the bacon pieces add protein and texture.

Yes, you can easily make fried cabbage without bacon. Simply substitute the bacon grease with a vegetarian-friendly fat like avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. You can add extra spices or a splash of vinegar for more flavor.

The terms "fried" and "sautéed" are often used interchangeably for this dish, especially in Southern cuisine. Both involve cooking in a pan with a small amount of fat until tender and slightly caramelized. However, "frying" might imply using bacon grease, while "sautéing" often refers to using oil.

To minimize carbs, avoid adding any sugar or high-carb vegetables. Stick to the basic ingredients: cabbage, a low-carb cooking fat, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also control portion sizes to keep your intake low.

Cooking methods like frying can cause some loss of certain vitamins, especially water-soluble ones like vitamin C. However, stir-frying, which uses less water and shorter cooking times than boiling, helps to retain more nutrients. Eating cabbage raw is the best way to preserve its full nutritional value.