If you crave a dish that’s bursting with Southern charm and packed with hearty, soulful flavors, the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant skillet meal combines the smoky richness of sausage, the succulent sweetness of shrimp, and the tender, caramelized goodness of cabbage, all dancing together with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s not only loaded with texture and taste but also comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a satisfying, low-carb treat that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward, fresh ingredients are the heart of your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: from the smoky depth of the sausage to the crispness of the cabbage, every element contributes to a flavor-packed, wholesome dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A healthy fat that helps brown the sausage and shrimp while adding a subtle richness.
- Smoked sausage (12 oz, sliced into rounds): Brings a smoky, savory punch that pairs beautifully with shrimp and cabbage.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Adds a tender, slightly sweet protein element that brightens the dish.
- Medium onion (1, chopped): Provides sweetness and depth, becoming soft and fragrant as it cooks.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic essence that wakes up the other flavors.
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, cored and chopped): Offers a tender, slightly crisp base that caramelizes beautifully in the skillet.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, slightly sweet spice that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings balance.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a mild peppery bite that livens up every bite.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of tangy brightness to cut through the richness and tie the dish together.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the smoked sausage slices and cook them until they develop a beautiful, golden brown crust. This process takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is essential because it releases those deep smoky fats, which flavor the entire dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the same skillet, letting them pick up those leftover smoky bits from the sausage. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This step is quick but crucial—you want juicy, tender shrimp, not rubbery. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
With the fond still in the skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, roughly 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. This quick step brings an aromatic base that elevates the whole dish without overpowering it.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time to add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing occasionally until the cabbage wilts and takes on a slight caramelization. This gives the cabbage its silky texture and sweet, nutty flavor that complements the sausage and shrimp perfectly.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Sprinkle in the paprika, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper, blending all those warm spices into the cabbage. Then, return the browned sausage and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Give everything a good toss to meld the flavors together, then drizzle with apple cider vinegar to add a lively zing. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry all the ingredients thoroughly before serving hot and fresh.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish pop even more, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the shrimp’s flavor and add a refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with the smoky sausage.
Side Dishes
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is a hearty enough meal on its own, but if you want to add some sides, creamy mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread work beautifully to soak up those flavorful juices. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, serve this dish directly from the skillet to keep the warmth and rustic feel. Alternatively, plate it over cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb delight or spoon it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld twist that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, cool the dish completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for about 1 to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the shrimp might become rubbery, and the cabbage could lose its crisp-tender bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute the smoked sausage?
Absolutely! Cajun or Andouille sausage adds even more smoky heat, while turkey sausage offers a leaner option without losing flavor. Just ensure it’s pre-cooked or smoked for the best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage doesn’t contain any fillers or additives with gluten. Always check labels to be certain.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could also toss in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to bring more heat if you love spicy foods.
What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even thinly sliced carrots make great additions. They add color, sweetness, and more nutritional variety to your skillet meal.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, it takes about 35 minutes: 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Quick enough to whip up even on busy weekdays but special enough to savor any day.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe feels like a warm Southern hug in a skillet. It’s got all the comfort, flavor, and soul food goodness you want on your dinner table, plus it’s easy and quick to make. Give it a go soon—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to meals for any occasion!
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Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free, Low Carb
Description
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a flavorful Southern-inspired skillet meal featuring tender cabbage, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp. Quick to prepare, it’s a satisfying low-carb and gluten-free main course perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and slightly caramelized.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and shrimp back to the skillet with the cabbage. Toss everything together thoroughly.
- Add Vinegar and Finish Cooking: Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the skillet contents and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use Cajun or Andouille sausage.
- Add bell peppers or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make sure shrimp are fully cooked until pink and opaque for best texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve alone or with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
