There’s something about the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine that always hits the spot, especially when it’s a one-pan dish that delivers on taste and texture. One such dish is Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage, a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines savory shrimp, flavorful sausage, and tender cabbage for a comforting meal that is both hearty and healthy. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish will surely become a favorite!
🌱 Why You’ll Love This Dish 🍽️
Fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, all while keeping things deliciously savory. Cabbage, when cooked to perfection, becomes wonderfully soft and slightly caramelized, with just the right amount of sweetness and umami. Paired with juicy shrimp, which are seasoned and sautéed to perfection, and the smokiness of the sausage, this dish is an explosion of flavors.
It’s also highly versatile – you can use whatever sausage you prefer (from smoked sausage to andouille, or even turkey sausage) and adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can easily be made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! 🌿
🍤 The Ingredients You’ll Need 🌶️
For this recipe, you’ll need fresh and flavorful ingredients to bring the dish together. Here’s the full list of ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into thin strips (about 4 cups) 🥬
- 1 lb (450g) of shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
- 1 lb (450g) of sausage (your choice – smoked sausage, andouille, or turkey sausage) 🌭
- 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter 🧈
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
- ½ tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat) 🌶️
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 🍶
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for a little extra umami) 🍜
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
Garnishes (optional):
- Chopped green onions 🌱
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
🔥 How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage 🍤🌶️
Making this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in no time!
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients 🥄
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Begin by chopping the cabbage into thin strips. You’ll want to have it all ready to go since this recipe cooks fairly quickly.
Next, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them cook better and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces or rounds, depending on your preference. The sausage should be fully cooked, but we’ll be browning it further in the skillet for flavor.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic, and set these aside to add to the pan later.
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage 🍳
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the sausage slices and cook them until they are browned and crispy on the edges (about 4-5 minutes). The sausage will release flavorful oils that will add depth to the dish.
Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Leave any residual oils in the pan because they’ll help flavor the cabbage later. 🍳
3️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic 🧅🧄
In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and fragrant (about 3 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until the garlic becomes aromatic.
This is the base of your dish’s flavor, so don’t rush this step – the caramelization will bring out all the rich, savory goodness! 😋
4️⃣ Cook the Cabbage 🥬
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to coat the cabbage in the flavorful oils from the sausage and aromatics.
Cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly crispy on the edges. You’ll want it to become golden and caramelized, not just soft.
If you prefer your cabbage to be more tender, you can cover the pan and cook it for an additional 5 minutes. If you like it more crispy, leave it uncovered to allow the cabbage to crisp up a bit more.
5️⃣ Add the Shrimp and Sausage 🦐🌭
Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the shrimp back into the pan along with the sausage. Stir everything together, ensuring the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage mixture.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Just give them enough time to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the cabbage and sausage.
6️⃣ Season the Dish 🍋
Now, it’s time to season your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage. Drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if using). Add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir to combine all the seasonings into the dish.
Squeeze in the lemon juice for a little bright acidity that will balance out the richness of the sausage and shrimp. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve 🌱
Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving platter or plate, and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.
Serve the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage immediately, and enjoy the flavors of this Southern-inspired dish! 🍴
🥘 Tips and Variations 🍤
- Spicy Kick: If you like your food spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a dash of hot sauce. The heat pairs wonderfully with the rich sausage and shrimp!
- Swap the Sausage: You can easily swap out the sausage for something else, like chicken sausage or turkey sausage, to make this dish lighter. Or, if you prefer a smokier flavor, go with andouille sausage.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini, for added flavor and texture.
- Make It a One-Pot Meal: Serve this dish over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. The cabbage, shrimp, and sausage all go great over a bed of grains or a healthy substitute.
- Make It Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto diet, you’re in luck! This dish is naturally low in carbs, so you can enjoy it without making any changes.
🍴 Why This Dish Is Perfect for Meal Prep 🍤
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and you can easily reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner. The flavors actually get better as they sit, giving the cabbage and shrimp more time to soak in the seasonings.
It’s also a great option for low-carb meal plans or Keto dieters, as it’s filled with healthy fats and protein but low in carbs. So, whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes! ✅
💬 Final Thoughts 🌶️
Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a flavorful, filling dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. The combination of tender cabbage, juicy shrimp, and savory sausage makes it a perfect comfort food, with a touch of Southern charm. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
So, next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, healthy, and absolutely delicious, give this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage a try. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen! 🏡
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