Savory Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe to Wow Guests

Nothing beats a hearty skillet of fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage that brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Fragrant spices dance through tender cabbage leaves while plump shrimp and savory sausage create an incredible flavor symphony.

Southern kitchens love this one-pan wonder that satisfies deep hunger with minimal cleanup.

Crisp vegetables mingle with smoky meat, promising a meal packed with robust textures and bold taste profiles.

Quick and simple ingredients combine into a delightful dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What People Love About Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• Bacon grease and multiple proteins create layers of rich, smoky taste that elevate this simple one-skillet dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Requiring only one pan and less than 30 minutes, this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen cleanup and complicated techniques.
• Easily adaptable for different protein preferences or spice levels, this dish allows home cooks to personalize each bite without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Packed with protein from shrimp and sausage, plus fiber-rich cabbage, this meal provides balanced nutrition in a single satisfying serving.

Tips to Nail Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Save the bacon grease for an extra punch of smoky taste that elevates the entire dish's richness and depth.
• Prevent Overcooked Shrimp: Watch the shrimp closely and remove them from heat immediately when they turn pink to maintain their tender, juicy texture.
• Control Cabbage Crispness: Adjust cooking time for cabbage based on your preference- shorter time for crunchier texture, longer for softer, more caramelized results.
• Spice Level Customization: Easily modify heat by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes; start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit your taste preferences.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth, efficient execution of the recipe.

How to Keep Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with shrimp for best quality.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
• Reheat in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking shrimp.

Great Pairings for Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, smoky flavors of the dish. Its bright acidity perfectly balances the hearty sausage and shrimp combination.
• Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the skillet for an authentic southern comfort experience. The bread's soft texture absorbs the delicious bacon and vegetable juices wonderfully.
• Prepare a light, tangy green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh herbs. This refreshing side provides a crisp contrast to the warm, robust main dish and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Choose a crisp lager or wheat beer to enhance the meal's smoky and spicy undertones. The beer's carbonation helps cut through the richness while complementing the dish's complex flavor profile.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Variation Guide

Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the dish’s hearty flavor profile and protein-packed goodness.

Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap shrimp and sausage with plant-based sausage and add extra-firm tofu cubes, creating a meat-free alternative that still delivers robust taste and satisfying texture.

Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free andouille sausage and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original recipe’s rich, savory essence.

Keto-Friendly Skillet: Increase bacon and reduce onions, utilize avocado oil instead of olive oil, and focus on high-fat ingredients to transform the recipe into a ketogenic-friendly meal that supports low-carbohydrate dietary goals.

FAQs on Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small pinch and adjust according to your spice tolerance. You can always add more during cooking.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo work great. Each sausage will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish, so experiment with what you like.

• Do I need to remove the shrimp tails before cooking?

You can leave them on for extra flavor and presentation, or remove them before cooking based on personal preference. If serving to guests who don’t like dealing with tails, remove them beforehand.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works fine. The smoked version adds a deeper, richer flavor, but standard paprika will still provide a nice taste to the dish.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Ingredient List

• Bacon: Rich, crispy component that adds deep smoky flavor to the dish.
• Smoked Sausage: Classic southern-style meat providing hearty texture and spicy undertones.
• Shrimp: Quick-cooking seafood that brings delicate sweetness to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides smooth cooking base and helps prevent sticking.

• Cabbage: Hearty vegetable that becomes tender and slightly caramelized during cooking.
• Onion: Adds sweet and aromatic base to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides robust and pungent background taste.

• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky flavor that complements the meat.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers subtle heat and spicy kick.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides visual appeal and light herbal note.

Step-by-Step for Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

Step 1: Crisp The Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until perfectly crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving delicious bacon grease behind.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Drop sliced smoked sausage into the same skillet. Let them dance and sizzle until rich brown edges appear, approximately 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside with bacon.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil or butter into the skillet if needed. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Transform The Cabbage

• Smoked paprika
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook while occasionally stirring, allowing cabbage to soften and caramelize around edges.

Step 5: Introduce The Shrimp

Slide plump shrimp into the skillet. Cook until they turn rosy pink and become opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Unite The Flavors

Return crispy bacon and browned sausage back into the skillet. Gently stir everything together, allowing ingredients to mingle and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice or golden cornbread.

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp & Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy southern “fried cabbage with shrimp & sausage” blends hearty Cajun flavors into one skillet sensation. Spicy protein and tender cabbage create a quick, satisfying meal that brings Louisiana comfort straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ pound (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• ½ pound (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Seasonings and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer the crispy bacon bits to a separate plate, preserving the rich, smoky drippings.
2. Slide the sliced smoked sausage into the same skillet, browning each piece until they develop a deep caramel exterior. Carefully remove and set alongside the bacon.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the shredded cabbage into the fragrant mixture, tossing thoroughly. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the cabbage wilts and edges become slightly charred.
5. Gently nestle the raw shrimp into the cabbage landscape, cooking until they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink, indicating perfect doneness.
6. Reunite the reserved bacon and sausage with the skillet’s contents, stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors and warmth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Transfer the sizzling medley to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley. Recommend pairing with warm cornbread or fluffy rice to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

• Bacon Crispiness Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunchiness, ensuring it’s cooked to a golden-brown perfection before removing from the skillet.
• Sausage Selection: Choose smoked sausage with robust flavors like andouille or kielbasa to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cabbage Caramelization: Allow cabbage to develop slightly golden edges by not stirring too frequently, which creates delicious caramelized bits and deeper flavor complexity.
• Shrimp Timing: Add shrimp last to prevent overcooking, as they quickly turn rubbery and lose their delicate texture when exposed to high heat for too long.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve directly in a bowl for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s hearty character.
• Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, gradually adding more for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg