If you’re looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor, quick to make, and always a crowd pleaser, this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is about to steal your heart (and your weeknight menu). Imagine smoky sausage, tender shrimp, sweet onions, and crisp-tender cabbage all mingling together in one sizzling skillet — every bite is savory, juicy, and just a little bit spicy. This Southern-inspired dish brings comfort right to your table, making veggie lovers and seafood fans alike very, very happy. It’s a one-pan wonder that never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is in its simplicity — each ingredient pulls its weight for a perfect balance of textures, colors, and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Cabbage: Use a small head of green cabbage, chopped — it cooks down to sweet, tender goodness!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
- Smoked sausage: Sliced into rounds, it infuses every bite with delicious, savory depth.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp offer juicy bites of protein and seafood flair.
- Onion: Sliced and sautéed for a hint of sweetness and extra savoriness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings this dish to life with its irresistible aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Red pepper flakes: Use these for a pleasant kick of heat — totally optional!
- Salt and black pepper: For bringing all the flavors together, taste and adjust as needed.
- Butter: Optional, but just a tablespoon adds extra silkiness and that restaurant-quality finish.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped for garnishing — it brightens up the whole dish with a hint of green and freshness.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and just starting to crisp at the edges. This step wakes up that smoky flavor and gives you irresistible little caramelized bites throughout the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Slide the sausage to one side of the pan, then add the shrimp right into the hot skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re opaque and blush-pink. Remove both the sausage and shrimp from the pan and set them aside, keeping their juices in the skillet to infuse the veggies you’ll cook next.
Step 3: Start the Veggies
Add your second tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. The onion provides sweetness, while the garlic delivers a punch that rounds out the whole dish.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage with Spices
Time for the star ingredient! Add your chopped cabbage to the pan, along with paprika, red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, and a generous sprinkling of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well so the cabbage gets coated with all the flavorful bits. Let it cook, stirring every couple of minutes, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. This is where your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage really comes together.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them back into the cabbage. Add a tablespoon of butter now if you want a richer finish — it’ll melt and create a gorgeous glaze. Cook everything together for 2 more minutes, stirring gently, until it’s all warmed through and the flavors have melded. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage
Garnishes
Finished with a shower of fresh chopped parsley, this dish looks as lovely as it tastes. You can also add thinly sliced green onions on top for an extra pop of color and spice, or try a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten up the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it’s also fantastic served over fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, or even creamy grits. A hunk of warm, crusty bread makes it a complete comfort-food experience — just perfect for sopping up all those savory juices from the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, scoop portions into individual bowls and top each with a big, juicy shrimp. Serving it on a rustic wooden platter family-style also looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in together. If you’re prepping for meal plans, portion out Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage in containers for easy lunch or dinner all week!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying on busier nights.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that shrimp can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, tossing until everything is heated through — a splash of water or a pat of butter will help keep it moist. You can also microwave single portions in bursts, but stovetop reheating keeps the cabbage from getting too soft.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just choose a variety with plenty of flavor so the dish stays bold and satisfying.
Is Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage spicy?
Not by default — the base recipe only gets spicy if you add the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your taste, or skip them entirely if you prefer your food mild.
What other vegetables could I add?
Bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even thin carrot ribbons all make great additions. They add color and extra nutrition, and they blend right in with the Southern flavors of shrimp & sausage.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is meal-prep friendly! Assemble completely and store as directed, then just reheat and garnish when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep a close eye during the sautéing step — as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Removing them from the skillet while finishing the veggies ensures perfectly juicy shrimp every time.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait another minute to dive into a pan of Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage — it’s a flavorful, nourishing classic that always hits the spot. With a short ingredient list and a quick skillet method, you’ll keep this recipe in regular rotation for those nights when you want something truly special with very little fuss. Enjoy every bite!
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Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and hearty dish combining fried cabbage with savory shrimp and sausage, seasoned with aromatic spices and garnished with fresh parsley. This Southern-inspired recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the dish:
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage: Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Cook shrimp: Push sausage to the side, add shrimp, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove sausage and shrimp. Add remaining olive oil to skillet, then sauté onion and garlic.
- Add cabbage and season: Add cabbage, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Return sausage and shrimp to the pan, add butter if desired, and heat through. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use turkey sausage.
- Enhance with bell peppers or mushrooms for added veggies.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
