Have you ever tried frying sauerkraut before? If not, you are missing out. Follow along to learn the best and easiest way to make fried sauerkraut.
Each time I make this fried sauerkraut dish, everyone begs for the recipe. It is surprisingly tasty; no one expects with properties so juicy it makes my mouth water every time I think about it.
I am sure you will have the same reaction too!
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Frying sauerkraut: should I do it?
To answer that question! Once you give this fried sauerkraut a try, you will never want to go back to the accustomed plain canned sauerkraut again.
As the heat works its magic, the sauerkraut begins to transform into something extraordinary. The sugars within start to caramelize, infusing the cabbage with a subtle sweetness that is just divine.
You will have no regrets about trying out this recipe!
Raw vs. Canned Sauerkraut
Raw sauerkraut is made by fermenting thinly sliced fresh cabbage with salt and left to ferment in its own juices or brine.
Canned sauerkraut undergoes a preservation process where it is cooked and then packaged in cans or jars with a brine solution.
Canning involves heating the sauerkraut, which helps ensure longer storage stability but may reduce some of the beneficial bacteria and enzymes present in raw sauerkraut.
Raw sauerkraut tends to have a crisper and crunchier texture with a more vibrant, fermented flavor profile. In contrast, canned sauerkraut, due to the cooking and canning process, can have a softer texture and a milder taste compared to raw sauerkraut.
Fried sauerkraut recipe
With this unique recipe, one bite will change your perspective on this German-made American dish. You will have everyone hooked and craving more of your delicious masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of butter or lard
- 2 cups of sauerkraut, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
If you are using lard, you can add it while the skillet heats up. Otherwise, melt the butter in the skillet once it is hot.
Drain the liquid off the sauerkraut using a metal strainer.
Carefully spread the sauerkraut evenly into the bottom of the hot skillet.
Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper if desired!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.
Helpful cooking tools
Serving suggestions
The combination of sauerkraut and brats is a classic. Pair it with your favorite dessert or my apple crisp and your tasty meal will be complete.
Sauerkraut cooking tips
- I have tried flipping the sauerkraut to cook on both sides before, but I think this is the better way. Feel free to experiment.
- The sauerkraut is great on its own, but feel free to add your own personal touch with seasoning such as salt, pepper and caraway seeds.
FAQs
Can you fry canned sauerkraut? Yes, you can fry canned sauerkraut! While raw sauerkraut is often the preferred choice for frying due to its vibrant flavor and crisp texture, canned sauerkraut can also be fried and will still be delicious.
Does frying sauerkraut kill the probiotics? Yes, frying sauerkraut at high temperatures can reduce or altogether eliminate the live probiotic bacteria present due to heat exposure during cooking.
What is the best way to make sauerkraut crispy? In order to make the crispest fried sauerkraut, strain out the water before frying, spread the sauerkraut evenly on the pan, and allow it to cook undisturbed.
What is the best oil for frying sauerkraut? The goal when choosing an oil for frying is to look for one with a high smoke point. These include but are not limited to vegetable oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Do you need to rinse the sauerkraut before cooking? No, skipping the rinsing step helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the sauerkraut.
Wrapping up
If this recipe sounds deliciously enticing, roll up your sleeves and get cooking! You will not want to miss out on this quick and easy fried sauerkraut recipe!
Let me know how you enjoyed this recipe by leaving a review below!
If you loved this recipe, here are a few more that you may enjoy!
Quick and Easy Fried Sauerkraut Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of butter or lard
- 2 cups of sauerkraut drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
- If you are using lard, you can add it while the skillet heats up. Otherwise, melt the butter in the skillet once it's hot.
- Drain the liquid off the sauerkraut using a metal strainer.
- Carefully spread evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper if desired!
I love fried sauerkraut. I also like fried cabbage but I don’t ever add brown or white sugar or Stevia or anything, because I do not like it to be sweet. I like fried sauerkraut on a hot dog or with pork chops. I grew up on this kind of food. I’m looking for a good but easy recipe for dumplings to go on top of fried potatoes – anyone??