Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
In the same skillet with bacon fat, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
If more fat is needed, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Next, add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Cook the cabbage for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to caramelize. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
