Fried Cabbage With Shrimp & Sausage Recipe

Savory Fried Cabbage With Shrimp & Sausage Recipe Magic

My culinary adventures with fried cabbage and shrimp sausage always spark conversations around our dinner table.

Savory aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Comfort meets excitement in this simple yet remarkable dish.

Each ingredient brings its unique character to the plate.

Southern-style cooking shines through with bold flavors and hearty textures.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick, satisfying, and memorable.

Jump into this recipe and create magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Delight

  • Savor Quick One-Pot Delight: Perfect for busy cooks wanting a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines succulent shrimp and hearty sausage for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that keeps you full and energized.
  • Spice Up Your Routine: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that transforms ordinary cabbage into an extraordinary culinary experience with bold, exciting flavors.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works wonderfully as a main course or side dish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for Fried Cabbage with Shrimp

For the Protein:
  • Sausage: A flavorful and crispy meat that adds richness to the dish.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate and sweet taste to the recipe.
For the Vegetable:
  • Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that provides a tender and slightly crisp texture.
For the Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: A classic combination that creates a fragrant base for the dish.
  • Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright and colorful garnish.

Instructions to Cook Fried Cabbage & Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature. Toss sliced sausage into the pan and cook until edges turn golden and crispy.

Use tongs to transfer sausage to a separate plate, keeping those delicious browned bits behind.

Step 2: Cook Succulent Shrimp

In the same skillet, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic.

Swirl the garlic around until fragrant and aromatic. Add shrimp and cook swiftly, watching for that beautiful pink transformation.

Remove shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

Step 3: Transform the Cabbage

Introduce chopped cabbage into the skillet.

Season generously with:
  • Smoked paprika
  • Sea salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Stir and toss cabbage, allowing it to soften and caramelize. The goal is tender yet slightly crunchy texture.

Step 4: Reunite the Protein

Return sausage and shrimp back to the skillet. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets cozy and warm.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Tips to Make Perfect Fried Cabbage Dish

  • Cut sausage into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Watch shrimp closely while cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Use smoked paprika liberally to enhance the depth of flavor and add a subtle smoky note to the dish.
  • Select fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and maximum crunch in the final dish.
  • Use the same skillet for each cooking stage to minimize dishes and preserve the delicious accumulated flavors.

Variations for Fried Cabbage and Sausage

  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning and add red pepper flakes for extra heat and zesty flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap sausage for chorizo, add oregano and thyme, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese on top.
  • Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry: Use Chinese sausage, add ginger and soy sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute shrimp and sausage with tofu cubes and plant-based sausage, season with turmeric and cumin for depth.

Pairings That Go with Fried Cabbage

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the richness of sausage and complement the seafood's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious pan juices and add textural contrast to the dish.
  • Match with Citrus Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty skillet meal.
  • Choose Spicy Craft Beer: Opt for a hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrus notes to enhance the smoky paprika and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory ingredients.

Storage Guidance for Fried Cabbage Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe uses smoked paprika which adds a mild smoky flavor, but isn’t inherently spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or Italian sausage work great in this recipe. Choose a sausage that complements the shrimp and cabbage.

  • Do I need to remove the shrimp tails before cooking?

No, you can leave the tails on during cooking for extra flavor. However, remove them before eating for easier consumption.

  • What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, and reduce the olive oil by using a non-stick cooking spray. You can also use less sausage and more shrimp.

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Fried Cabbage With Shrimp & Sausage Recipe

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp & Sausage Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets seafood magic in this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage recipe, blending robust flavors from land and sea. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a skillet sensation that promises rich, satisfying comfort with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and render the sausage slices until golden and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until aromatic, then add shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and reach complete doneness. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Introduce chopped cabbage directly into the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring intermittently, allowing the cabbage to become tender while maintaining a slight crunch.
  4. Reintegrate the reserved sausage and shrimp into the cabbage mixture, gently tossing to ensure uniform heating and flavor distribution. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the ingredients.
  5. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and herbaceous note. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a robust and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu for dietary preferences.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium sausage and minimizing added salt during cooking.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar while sautéing vegetables.
  • Cut cooking time by prepping ingredients before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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