Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something that’s savory, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, you have to try this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage! The crispy, caramelized cabbage mingles perfectly with tender shrimp and smoky sausage, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture in every bite. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or impressing guests at dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

This dish is a perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Here’s why it’s sure to steal your heart:

Comforting & Hearty

The combination of sausage, shrimp, and cabbage gives you that delicious “home-cooked” feel with a kick of spice. It’s warm, satisfying, and totally delicious.

Quick & Easy

You can make this in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a filling dinner without the hassle.

Full of Flavor

The sausage adds smoky depth, while the shrimp brings a delicate sweetness, all tied together with the savory cabbage and seasonings. It’s a party of flavors in one skillet!

Healthy & Light

This dish is full of veggies (hello, cabbage!) and lean protein, so it’s a great way to satisfy your hunger without the heavy feeling. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb!

Ingredients

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is made with just a few simple, but flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly, adding a sweet, tender bite to the dish.
• Smoked sausage: Choose a good quality smoked sausage for that rich, hearty flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage adds a crunchy, slightly sweet base that caramelizes beautifully when fried.
• Bell pepper & onion: For extra color and sweetness, adding a bit of extra depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A must for adding savory depth to the flavors.
• Olive oil or butter: For frying the ingredients, giving everything that crispy, golden-brown finish.
• Seasonings: Paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper (if you like heat) round out the flavor profile.

Optional Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes: For an extra kick if you love spice.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon at the end brings brightness and balances the richness of the sausage and shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor on top.

Instructions

This dish comes together quickly in a single skillet! Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they’re not already prepped. Slice the sausage into thin rounds, and shred the cabbage. Slice your bell pepper and onion into strips, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or butter and cook the sausage slices until they’re browned and crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them—they cook quickly!

Step 5: Fry the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften and caramelize slightly, getting golden and crispy in spots.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, return the sausage to the skillet, and toss everything together. Add in your seasonings—paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well to coat everything in the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s ready to serve! You can squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top if you like, and garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve it on its own, or with a side of rice or cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 250-350 (depends on portion size and specific ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

This dish is perfect as a stand-alone meal, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

• With Rice: Serve it over white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Cornbread: A side of cornbread makes this dish even more comforting and perfect for mopping up any juices left in the skillet.
• With a Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sausage and shrimp.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra punch of heat.
• Substitute the Sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead.
• Add More Veggies: You can toss in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even some mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from affecting the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Q3: Can I use cabbage from a bag of pre-shredded cabbage?
A3: Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage works great for this recipe, saving you time. Just be sure to check for any large chunks that might need a little extra chopping.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of that crispy texture.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A5: Of course! You can use any kind of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because of the cabbage’s texture, but you can freeze the sausage and shrimp portion if you want to make the dish ahead of time.

Q7: What other vegetables can I add?
A7: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash more cayenne pepper to bring up the heat!

Q9: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
A9: Yes! Chicken, turkey, or even beef can work as a substitute for shrimp. Just make sure to cook it through before adding it to the dish.

Q10: How can I make this dish more filling?
A10: Serve it with rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes to make the meal more filling and hearty.

Conclusion

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is everything you could want in a dish—easy to make, packed with flavor, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re looking for something new to try or want to whip up a comforting, hearty meal in no time, this recipe checks all the boxes. So, grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and let the deliciousness unfold!

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