Nothing beats the comforting, bold flavors of this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe—a vibrant celebration of tender cabbage sautéed with smoky sausage and succulent shrimp. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and spices, from the crisp, slightly caramelized cabbage to the juicy, flavorful proteins, all brought together with a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this recipe delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding a unique twist of flavor, texture, or color to bring this dish to life. The combination of fresh veggies, bold spices, and savory proteins creates a wonderful balance that makes this recipe special.
- Cabbage: One medium head, shredded for that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage: One pound, sliced to bring smoky, savory depth.
- Shrimp: One pound, peeled and deveined for juicy pops of flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: Two tablespoons, the cooking fats that help everything brown beautifully.
- Onion: One small, chopped to add sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for its irresistible fragrance.
- Bell pepper: One, chopped (optional) for a splash of color and extra sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: One teaspoon, introducing smoky warmth.
- Cayenne pepper: Half a teaspoon (optional) for a subtle, spicy kick.
- Onion powder: One teaspoon, enhancing the savory notes.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon or to taste, to bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Quarter teaspoon, adding just a hint of heat.
- Apple cider vinegar: One tablespoon (optional) for bright, tangy contrast.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, to garnish and add a fresh punch of color.
How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing your smoked sausage into rounds, peeling and deveining the shrimp, and chopping the cabbage, onion, and bell pepper if using. Mince the garlic finely so it releases its full aroma when cooked. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Adding a healthy amount of fat helps the sausage brown beautifully and crisp up, boosting both flavor and texture.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy around the edges. This caramelization adds a smoky richness that makes the dish irresistible. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink and feel firm to the touch. Using the leftover sausage juices intensifies the shrimp’s flavor. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet, then toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper if using, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything smells fragrant and inviting.
Step 6: Cook the Cabbage
Next, stir in the shredded cabbage with the sautéed veggies. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you like heat, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and edges turn slightly caramelized, bringing out a lovely natural sweetness.
Step 7: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to mix all the flavors together, allowing a few minutes for everything to blend perfectly and heat through.
Step 8: Add Final Touches and Serve
If you like a little zing, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a bright contrast to the smokiness. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately to enjoy this dish at its best.
How to Serve Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice that adds a burst of color and refreshing herbal notes. For an extra pop, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top works wonders by enhancing the shrimp’s natural brightness and balancing the richness of the sausage.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all the flavorful juices. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or buttery cornbread to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this fried cabbage mixture in warm tortillas for a twist on tacos, or pile it onto toasted crusty bread for an open-faced sandwich. You could also spoon it over baked potatoes or toss it with pasta for a heartier take that still celebrates the beloved flavors of the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s quick to reheat.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to do so without the fresh parsley to avoid wilting. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the cabbage’s texture and avoid sogginess. You can also microwave it covered on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked or Andouille sausage brings a characteristic flavor, you can swap in kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder breakfast sausage for a delicious variation suited to your taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be as mild or as spicy as you like. The cayenne pepper is optional, so omit it for a gentler heat or add a bit more if you love a kick. The smoked paprika adds warmth without overwhelming spice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the shrimp and sausage and add hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Keep the seasoning and cooking method the same to enjoy a satisfying vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
Use a small paring knife to carefully make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp to remove the vein, and peel off the shell starting from the legs. Buying pre-peeled and deveined shrimp can save time as well.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can chop all the vegetables and prep the sausage and shrimp ahead of time, then cook everything fresh when ready. The cooked dish also reheats wonderfully, making it good for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe is truly a joy to make and savor. Its vibrant flavors, welcoming aroma, and balanced textures make it a guaranteed favorite in your home. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try—you might just find your newest comfort food to share with friends and family!
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Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage recipe that combines savory smoked sausage, succulent shrimp, and tender caramelized cabbage with aromatic spices. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the sausage into rounds, peel and devein the shrimp, and chop the cabbage, onion, and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic carefully to ensure even cooking and flavor release.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to maintain its texture.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to keep them tender. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which builds a strong flavor base for the dish.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Combine the Sausage and Shrimp: Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir everything together to blend the flavors.
- Add Vinegar (Optional): For a tangy twist, stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at this stage to brighten the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, savory flavors.
- Enjoy: Dig into this savory and comforting Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage!
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with Andouille or kielbasa for a similar smoky flavor.
- The bell pepper is optional but adds color and sweetness to the dish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit for a milder taste.
- Use apple cider vinegar sparingly as it adds brightness but can overpower the dish if overused.
- For a lower fat version, use olive oil instead of butter or reduce the amount of oil used.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
