Delicious Smoky Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

If you’re in the mood for something bold, hearty, and packed with flavor, look no further—this Smoky Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is just what you need. Picture this: tender cabbage sautéed until crispy at the edges, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp, all tossed together in a rich, savory sauce. Every bite brings the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the cabbage. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying, but with a little extra flair. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love Smoky Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:

• Smoky Goodness: The smoky flavor from the sausage and seasonings infuses the cabbage with a depth that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s like a flavor-packed party in your mouth!
• Quick & Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this hearty dish that feels like it came straight from a Southern kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend feast.
• Hearty & Filling: Between the shrimp, sausage, and cabbage, this dish is a satisfying meal that’s both filling and delicious, yet not too heavy.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Less mess, more flavor—what’s not to love?
• Customizable: Want more heat? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce. Prefer it a little milder? No problem, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:

Cabbage: The base of the dish, the cabbage crisps up beautifully, bringing a wonderful texture and sweetness that balances the savory sausage and shrimp.

Shrimp: Juicy shrimp cook quickly and add a delightful seafood twist that pairs so well with the smoky sausage.

Sausage (Smoked or Andouille): This smoky, flavorful sausage is the heart of the dish. It adds that deep, rich flavor that makes this meal so comforting.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish, infusing the cabbage and shrimp with mouthwatering flavor.

Onion: Sweet onions caramelize as they cook, adding a nice depth to the overall flavor profile.

Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the sausage and shrimp.

Seasonings (Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cajun Seasoning): A mix of smoky paprika, a hint of heat from Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper make for the perfect seasoning blend.

Butter & Olive Oil: A combination of both helps to fry the cabbage to crispy perfection while ensuring everything gets coated in the smoky, garlicky goodness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the cabbage into strips and chopping the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Set everything aside.

Cook the Sausage: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it get a nice sear, about 3-4 minutes, until it’s browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Cabbage: Add the cabbage to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and gets crispy edges, about 8-10 minutes. The cabbage should be slightly golden and tender but still with a bit of bite.

Add the Shrimp & Sausage: Return the sausage to the skillet, followed by the shrimp. Stir everything together and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp!

Toss & Serve: Once everything is cooked through and well combined, give it a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Smoky Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ways you can serve it to elevate the experience:

• Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a filling meal.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread makes the perfect side to soak up all the savory juices.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
• Hot Sauce: If you like a little more heat, a drizzle of hot sauce on top will give the dish an extra kick!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this dish even better:

• Get Creative with Veggies: If you want to add more veggies, consider throwing in some carrots, zucchini, or even spinach for a burst of color and nutrition.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Both fresh and frozen shrimp work wonderfully in this dish. Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, reduce the amount of spice and go easy on the Cajun seasoning.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the cabbage and chop the veggies ahead of time, so when you’re ready to cook, the process will be even faster.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different types of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the smoked sausage for chorizo or Italian sausage. Just make sure the sausage you choose has plenty of flavor to complement the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the cabbage and shrimp.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

Q5: What can I substitute for cabbage?
A5: If you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or collard greens, but keep in mind that they may cook differently.

Q6: Can I add other proteins?
A6: Yes! If you want to add more protein, consider adding chicken, turkey sausage, or even bacon to the mix. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: You can add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce to the dish to bring up the heat level.

Q8: Can I make this dish without shrimp?
A8: Of course! You can make it with just sausage, or even add in some other proteins like chicken or turkey if you prefer.

Q9: Can I use a different type of pepper?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for other types, like poblano or banana peppers, for a different flavor.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A10: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your Smoky Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is ready to be devoured. With the perfect balance of smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and crispy cabbage, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy. So grab that skillet, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness!

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