Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution! This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage is the perfect one-pan wonder, delivering a powerhouse of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something delicious without the fuss. Forget the pile of dishes; this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
We’re combining tender-crisp cabbage, juicy shrimp, and savory smoked sausage, all sautéed to perfection with a handful of simple aromatics. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this recipe for Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s about the simplicity and versatility that make it a standout meal.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoked sausage, sweet shrimp, and savory cabbage creates a rich, multi-layered flavor profile that tastes like it simmered for hours.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
- Healthy and Versatile: Naturally low in carbs, this dish is perfect for a healthy lifestyle. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy this Cajun Seafood Alfredo (coming soon) recipe.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Fried Cabbage
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Main Event
- Cabbage: A fresh head of green cabbage is the star. You’ll want it roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Smoked Sausage: Andouille or Kielbasa works best, providing a smoky, savory depth. Slice it into ½-inch rounds.
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) will work perfectly. If you’re a shrimp lover, you should also try this amazing Coconut Shrimp Recipe.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of flavor. A simple yellow onion and a few cloves of fresh garlic are all you need.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of both gives you a high smoke point for sautéing and rich flavor.
For the Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning: This brings the heat and complexity. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make a Homemade Slap Ya Mama Seasoning for extra flair.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor from the sausage.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to get this delicious meal on the table in no time. The key is to build flavors in layers, starting with the sausage to render its fat.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down. Stir to coat it in the fat and aromatics. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp. You want it wilted but still with a slight bite.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the raw shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips from a Seasoned Pro for the Best Results
A few simple tricks can elevate this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s my advice for getting it just right every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large, wide skillet to ensure everything has room to brown properly instead of steaming.
- Control the Cabbage Texture: For tender-crisp cabbage, keep an eye on it and stop cooking when it’s wilted but still has a slight crunch. If you prefer softer cabbage, simply cook it a few minutes longer.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before adding the shrimp to the pan, pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear rather than steam, giving them a much better texture.
- Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The amount of Cajun seasoning can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Bacon: For extra smoky flavor, cook a few strips of chopped bacon before the sausage and use the rendered fat to cook the rest of the dish.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Add them with the onions to ensure they cook through.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Switch up the Protein: This recipe works beautifully with diced chicken thighs or even ground turkey instead of sausage.
What to Serve with Your Cabbage Skillet
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. You can serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be a refreshing complement.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This helps revive the textures of the cabbage and proteins much better than a microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While Andouille or Kielbasa is recommended for their smoky flavor, you can use any smoked sausage you prefer. Italian sausage or chicken sausage would also be delicious alternatives.
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are fully thawed before you begin cooking. For the best results, pat them completely dry with a paper towel before adding them to the skillet.
The key to preventing soggy cabbage is to cook it over medium-high heat and not to cover the pan, which can trap steam. Sauté until it’s tender but still has a slight crispness. Also, don’t salt the cabbage until the end of the cooking process, as salt can draw out excess water.
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a keto diet. Just be sure to use a sugar-free smoked sausage.
To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to create a little steam and prevent it from drying out. Heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method preserves the texture better than a microwave.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal that proves you don’t need a lot of time or a complicated list of ingredients to eat well. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage: The Ultimate One-Pan Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it's nicely browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down. Stir to coat it in the fat and aromatics. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the raw shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Serve your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage hot, straight from the skillet.
Notes
Tip 2: Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
Tip 3: Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to match your preferred spice level.
