One Pan Dinner Pork and Cabbage Skillet

Cranking out weeknight dinners can get boring when we fall into the routine of the same meals week after week. We’re busy, right? Finding and trying new recipes is an extra chore to add to the list, so I’ll give you something really easy to toss into the rotation today. Our Pork and Cabbage Skillet is the perfect one pan dinner for a busy weeknight. This dish requires little prep time and is easy to prepare with only five ingredients!

Cheap dinners don’t have to be all about carbs and processed foods. Not only is this pork and cabbage skillet quick to make, it’s also easy on the wallet. Pork loin can often be found on sale and boneless pork cutlets are an easy substitution when it’s not. Cabbage is also plentiful and cheap. Buy a large head and save some for whipping up a batch of cole slaw.

Pork and cabbage, on their own, are a pretty bland combo. Browning in the skillet is where the first layer of flavor develops. A 12 inch cast iron skillet is perfect for this application, though a preheated non-stick pan will have no trouble browning the pork. Sauteing onion along with the cabbage adds yet more flavor. Then we use soy sauce for its signature deep umami and a touch of saltiness. To kick it up even more, add a bit of extra butter and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end.

Pork and Cabbage Skillet Ingredients

1 pound pork loin, sliced into thin medallions
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 medium red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter, optional
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, optional

Pork and Cabbage Skillet Instructions

1. Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and cook until it develops a golden crust on all sides and is almost cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and tent with foil.
2. Add remaining tablespoon oil to the skillet, along with the red onion and cabbage. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and cook until the veggies become soft and slightly glossy, around 15-20 minutes.
3. Return the pork to the skillet and sprinkle with the soy sauce. Cook until the pork is fully cooked through and the mixture develops a nice glaze, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. *Optional: Add 1-2 tablespoons butter and/or apple cider vinegar for added flavor. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!