If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that balances bold flavors with simple ingredients, the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant skillet meal combines tender cabbage, succulent shrimp, and smoky sausage, all kissed with garlic and paprika for a mouthwatering experience that’s both hearty and surprisingly light. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a dish that feels cozy yet exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding smoky richness, fresh crunch, or a punch of flavor. Keeping it straightforward allows the natural tastes to shine through beautifully.
- Fresh cabbage: Provides a tender, slightly sweet base with a satisfying bite.
- Shrimp: Adds a delicate seafood flavor and tender texture that complements the sausage.
- Sausage: Brings smoky, savory depth and richness—pick your favorite kind for the perfect touch.
- Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that wakes up every ingredient.
- Paprika: Offers mild spice and vibrant color to brighten the skillet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps everything cook evenly and adds smooth richness.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this helps develop flavor right from the start. Add the sausage slices and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a savory foundation you’ll love.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 3 minutes. This layer of sweetness and warmth perfectly balances the smoky sausage.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Their tender juiciness adds a delightful contrast to the dish.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Spices
Now, stir in the chopped cabbage along with paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the spices and cabbage combine evenly with the sausage and shrimp. This is when the dish starts to come together beautifully.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 10 minutes until the cabbage softens but still retains a little bite. The final texture should be tender and slightly crisp—just enough to complement the rich, savory flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is ready to serve! Plate it hot for the best flavor and texture, and prepare for those delicious compliments to start rolling in.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. The fresh herbs add a bright, fresh note and pop of color that makes the skillet even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy rice or warm crusty bread. The rice helps soak up all the flavorful juices, while bread creates a satisfying way to scoop and savor every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Both options add a rustic charm and highlight the dish’s comforting nature beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats very well, maintaining its flavors and textures without turning soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe, but keep in mind the texture of shrimp might change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the cabbage tender and the shrimp succulent without drying out the sausage’s smoky goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap in spicy sausage, smoked kielbasa, or even chorizo based on your preference for different flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Peeling and deveining shrimp improves both the texture and presentation of the dish, making each bite more enjoyable. It also helps remove any grit or impurities for the best clean flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and sausage and substitute with smoked tofu or mushrooms for texture and umami. The cabbage and spices still make for a fantastic, flavorful base.
How spicy is this dish?
The Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe is mildly spiced with paprika, which adds warmth without heat. If you like heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
What’s the best way to chop cabbage for this recipe?
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, not too fine, so it holds some texture after cooking. Aim for roughly 1 to 2-inch pieces for the best mouthfeel and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully comforting. Give it a go—you might just find your new go-to for busy nights or whenever you want something truly satisfying and delicious.
Print
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: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a quick and satisfying skillet meal combining tender cabbage, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it blends simple ingredients with bold flavors and minimal prep for a comforting Southern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Proteins
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of sausage, sliced (choose your favorite sausage)
Spices & Oils
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage, cooking until softened and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, taking care not to overcook.
- Add cabbage and spices: Add the chopped cabbage, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook until tender: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the cabbage is cooked through, serve the dish hot as a flavorful and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage or andouille for more smoky flavor.
- Adjust paprika and seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results; frozen shrimp can be thawed before cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread.
