If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting Southern charm, look no further than this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe. This skillet meal combines tender cabbage, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp in a harmony of textures and spices that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking with cabbage or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic fried cabbage that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe truly lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the cabbage adds crunch and freshness, shrimp provides delicate sweetness, and smoked sausage brings a deep, savory note. Together, they create a dish that’s colorful, flavorful, and incredibly well balanced.
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, cored and chopped): The star veggie in this dish, it adds a wonderful texture and absorbs all the savory flavors beautifully.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Adds a juicy, tender protein element with a subtle sweetness to balance the smoky sausage.
- Smoked sausage (12 oz, sliced): Provides a robust, smoky flavor that infuses the cabbage and shrimp with hearty goodness.
- Medium onion (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a little bite, softening nicely when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the entire dish with savory warmth that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the sausage and shrimp, giving them a nice sear without overpowering their flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps caramelize the cabbage and onions perfectly.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky depth that enhances the sausage and lends a subtle complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat to lift the dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild pungency that complements the smokiness.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): For a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step lets the sausage release its flavorful oils, setting the base for the entire dish. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep those delicious juices in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and curl gently. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove and set them aside with the sausage. The leftover juices in the pan act as a natural flavor booster for the next steps.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Toss in the sliced onions, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing it to release its aromatic oil without burning—it’s these little touches that make this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe so special.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Now, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet along with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat every bite of cabbage with those spices and the buttery, garlicky onions. Cook the cabbage for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and takes on a light caramelization. This caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage and deepens the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return the browned sausage and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together and let it warm for a few minutes, ensuring every bite is infused with those beautiful flavors. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of brightness before serving.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for this dish—it adds vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the warm hues of the cabbage and sausage. For an extra sprinkle of flavor, you might add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving, which adds a refreshing zing to complement the smoky and savory elements.
Side Dishes
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it over fluffy white rice or a lighter cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread are also wonderful companions, soaking up any juices left in the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the sautéed cabbage mixture stuffed inside warm pita pockets or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb handheld meal. You can also turn it into a hearty topping for baked potatoes or spoon it over a bed of cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition. No matter how you present it, this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish holds up really well, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen after a day or two, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time or save leftovers for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. While shrimp can become a bit more delicate after freezing, the sausage and cabbage maintain their texture nicely.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen dish overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This helps maintain the texture without drying out the shrimp or cabbage. Alternatively, you can microwave portions on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a signature smoky flavor, andouille, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage can be great alternatives. Each will bring its own twist, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what’s available.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes which add a gentle kick, but they are optional. You can skip them for a milder dish or increase the amount if you love heat. Adding hot sauce on the side is another easy way to customize the spice level at the table.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or pescatarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add extra shrimp or substitute with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage options. For pescatarian diets, keep the shrimp and skip the sausage entirely or use a vegetarian sausage alternative.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage for this recipe?
Remove the core first, then slice the cabbage into quarters and chop it roughly into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and ensures every forkful has a nice balance of cabbage texture without being too bulky.
Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the cabbage and slice the sausage a day ahead to save time. You can also marinate the shrimp briefly if you like. Just keep everything refrigerated separately and combine at cooking time for the freshest flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with bold, soulful flavors and is surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or for a casual weekend gathering. Once you try it, you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and dive into this delicious Southern-inspired feast!
