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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- 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.
- Gently nestle the raw shrimp into the cabbage landscape, cooking until they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink, indicating perfect doneness.
- 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.
- 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