Try using butter, or butter-flavored crisco shortening as a substitute.
You will not get the bacon-y flavor that you would with the bacon...that is just the flavor that pork-fat adds. Does he not eat pork for health or religious reasons? You could fry bacon in the pan, remove it and just add the cabbage to the drippings and serve it without the meat.
You could add a little salted dried chipped beef or saute some beef jerky in it too, for the smokey flavor...if you do use the liquid smoke, use just a tiny drop...it is really overpowering!
One day I was out of bacon so used bacon bits and it gave it the same flavor. Since he doesnt like it cook his separate and add the bacon bits after you take his out. you may want to try ham flavored seasoning or boullion. I've also have used a little grease from what I just fried and it tastes just as good.
Hi, Cassandra! My Aunt Lela Mae always had the best Fried Cabbage. She used the same ingredients as you, but she also used real bacon. When I married my husband he only eats chicken, turkey or fish. My solution is smoked turkey. Not turkey bacon. Also leave the skin on for more flavor. After the cabbage is done you can remove the skin, or the turkey if you choose, but i leave it in. I buy a fully cooked smoked turkey and use the legs, thighs and wings. This leaves the turkey breast for tomorrow nights dinner--maybe Turkey Tetrazini!
I no longer use bacon grease because of health issues but love fried cabbage. I use a strong flavored oil ( peanut oil, if no one is allergic). Then, experiment with seasonings to replace some of the bacon taste. I use a little cayenne pepper.
You can cook in crisco oil, or oil of your choice.....flavor with the seasoning bacon bits. It might come close. That way you have only the flavor of bacon.
Maybe salt & liquid smoke might mimick the taste...and maybe a little chicken stock in place of some of the water you boil/steam the cabbage in????
My grandmother (now deceased) used to cook this in an iron skillet with not that much cabbage but as I remember she used either crisco or margarine. I have personally used margarine and it works just fine. I cook mine in a 5 qt. pot and it turns out nice and brown and not mushy. Hope this helps!
Bon Appetite'
Have you tried smoked turkey. We don't eat pork and the turkey seems to work well for me.
Hi Cassandra - I have a great substitution. Use the turkey bacon. Do not add any other salt. Use Knorr pork boullion cubes for your added pork flavor. Even better is "Better Than Boullion" gam base - packed with flavor and smokeiness.
This site is amazing! Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond and I will definitely write back (after finals week) to let everyone know how it went. It’s so nice to have a site that you can go to for help and get honest answers and not a bunch of junk! And for anyone who wanted the recipe I’ll post it ASAP! Thanks again!