If you’re craving a meal that’s full of flavor, hearty, and quick to make, Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is the perfect dish for you. This one-pan meal combines the savory goodness of smoked sausage, the delicate sweetness of shrimp, and the earthy, satisfying crunch of cabbage, all cooked up in one skillet. It’s a low-carb, satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on flavor and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

I first tried this dish on a busy evening when I wanted something that would come together quickly, but still feel special. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet shrimp, and tender cabbage really packs a punch. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—just a few ingredients that come together in a flash. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get in some greens while still indulging in a little comfort food.

In this first part of the recipe, we’ll dive into the essential ingredients, starting with prepping the cabbage and cooking the sausage. From there, we’ll get the shrimp sizzling and all the flavors melding together beautifully. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and simplifying the whole cooking process.
• Hearty & Satisfying: The cabbage provides a wonderful crunch, while the sausage adds a smoky, savory flavor. The shrimp offers a touch of sweetness, creating a perfect balance.
• Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious dinner.
• Low-Carb & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a satisfying, healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

The base of this dish is tender, fried cabbage, which adds both flavor and texture. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Chop the Cabbage: Start by removing any tough outer leaves from your cabbage. Cut it in half, then slice each half into thin strips. You can make the strips as thin or as thick as you like, but thinner slices will cook down quicker and become tender more easily.
• Set Aside: Once chopped, set the cabbage aside while you cook the sausage and shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Smoked sausage brings a rich, savory flavor to this dish, and it’s essential for building depth.

• Slice the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into rounds about ¼-inch thick. This size will allow the sausage to cook quickly while still retaining its texture.
• Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. The fat from the sausage will help flavor the other ingredients, so don’t worry about draining it off just yet.
• Remove the Sausage: Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll be adding it back into the dish later.

When it comes to quick, hearty meals that are packed with flavor, Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is one of my all-time favorites. This dish brings together the savory goodness of smoked sausage, the delicate sweetness of shrimp, and the satisfying crunch of cabbage. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to make. The ingredients are straightforward, but the combination of the flavors is anything but basic. The smoky sausage adds richness, the shrimp brings a light sweetness, and the cabbage soaks up all those savory flavors, creating a deliciously comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or just want something that’s as satisfying as it is easy, this dish is a winner.

In this first part, we’ll go over how to prepare the cabbage and cook the sausage to create a flavorful base for this dish. Let’s get started on this delicious, fuss-free meal!

Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Savory & Sweet: The combination of smoked sausage, shrimp, and cabbage gives this dish a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
• Healthy & Hearty: With the addition of cabbage, this meal is packed with nutrients, and the sausage and shrimp provide plenty of protein.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

The cabbage is the star of the show, providing texture and absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sausage and shrimp. Here’s how to prep it:

• Chop the Cabbage: Start by removing any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it in half, then slice each half into thin strips. Try to make the slices even, as this will help them cook uniformly.
• Set Aside: Once the cabbage is chopped, set it aside while you work on the sausage and shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

The sausage is key to adding a savory richness to this dish. Here’s how to cook it:

• Slice the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into about ¼-inch thick rounds. This will allow them to cook evenly and get a nice crispy edge while still maintaining their juiciness inside.
• Brown the Sausage: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The sausage will release some of its fat, which will be perfect for sautéing the cabbage and shrimp.
• Remove and Set Aside: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll add it back in later.

Cooking the Shrimp, Sautéing the Cabbage, and Bringing it All Together

Now that the sausage is cooked and set aside, we’re moving on to the shrimp and cabbage. These final steps will bring all the ingredients together to create a savory, satisfying dish with just the right balance of flavors. Let’s jump in!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

The shrimp will add a wonderful sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the sausage and cabbage. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:

• Heat the Skillet: In the same skillet you used for the sausage, add a small amount of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice.
• Cook the Shrimp: Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left on the heat too long.
• Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. You’ll be adding them back to the skillet later, so just keep them warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage

Now, it’s time for the cabbage to shine. Sautéing the cabbage in the same skillet ensures it absorbs all the delicious flavors left behind by the sausage and shrimp.

• Add the Cabbage to the Skillet: Add the chopped cabbage to the same skillet, and sauté it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to soften and become slightly caramelized.
• Season the Cabbage: As the cabbage cooks, season it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. I recommend adding a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Keep sautéing until the cabbage is tender but still has some texture. The cabbage should still maintain a little crunch, which adds a nice contrast to the sausage and shrimp.

Step 5: Combine the Sausage, Shrimp, and Cabbage

With the cabbage perfectly sautéed and the shrimp cooked, it’s time to bring everything together.

• Return the Sausage and Shrimp to the Skillet: Once the cabbage is cooked, add the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure that the sausage and shrimp are evenly distributed and coated with the cabbage.
• Heat Through: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the sausage and shrimp are heated through, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is ready, it’s time to plate up and enjoy this delicious one-pan meal.

• Plate the Dish: Serve the cabbage, shrimp, and sausage mixture hot straight from the skillet, or transfer it to a serving dish for a more formal presentation. You can garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
• Pair with a Side: This dish is flavorful and filling on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, steamed rice, or even some crusty bread to mop up any extra juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor, you can swap it for other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage. Just ensure the sausage you choose is cooked through before adding it to the skillet.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead! You can prepare the cabbage, sausage, and shrimp, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything in a skillet and serve. The flavors will still be great, and it’s a perfect meal prep option.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

4. What other vegetables can I add?
You can easily add other vegetables to this dish! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or carrots all work well and would add more color and texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any additional veggies to ensure everything is cooked properly.

5. Can I make this dish without sausage?
Yes! If you want to make this dish vegetarian or simply omit the sausage, you can increase the amount of shrimp or add other plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. The cabbage and shrimp combination will still provide a delicious meal.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the flavors and texture. It also makes for a great meal the next day for lunch or dinner.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a diced chili pepper when sautéing the cabbage. You can also use a spicy sausage variety to add more kick to the dish.

Conclusion

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a perfect combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal. With the sausage adding richness, the shrimp providing a light sweetness, and the cabbage offering texture and substance, every bite is a satisfying experience.

The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering on taste and nutrition. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply craving something flavorful and hearty, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage as much as I do! It’s an easy, flavorful meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare but delivers big on taste. Don’t forget to leave a comment with any variations you tried or tips you found helpful. Happy cooking!

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