Tangy Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and this fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage & bacon delivers a knockout punch of Southern comfort.

Crispy bacon bits and spicy sausage create an irresistible foundation for tender cabbage and succulent shrimp.

Each forkful bursts with smoky, savory notes that dance across your palate.

The one-skillet wonder combines protein-packed ingredients into a hearty meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Sizzling meats mingle with caramelized cabbage, creating depth and complexity in every bite.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of heat elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation for its incredible taste and effortless preparation.

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon: Big Flavor

• Dive into a mouthwatering combination of shrimp, sausage, and bacon that creates an explosion of taste in every single bite.
• Prepare this delicious dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy a hearty meal loaded with diverse proteins that provide robust nutrition and keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.

Key Ingredients For Savory Fried Cabbage Mixes

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Sausage: Hearty meat that provides a rich and spicy taste to the recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that brings a smoky and salty element to the meal.

• Cabbage, Onions, Garlic: Vegetables that create a flavorful and nutritious base for the dish.

• Olive Oil, Seafood Seasoning, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, Butter: Spices and liquids that enhance the overall taste and add depth to the recipe.

Tools For Easy Cabbage Frying

• Large Skillet: Your main cooking vessel for this delicious one-pan meal, perfect for sautéing and combining all ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Essential for prepping onions and garlic before cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop ingredients and slice cabbage.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of spices and butter.
• Tongs: Useful for handling bacon, sausage, and shrimp during cooking.

Stirring Up Fried Cabbage With Meaty Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Drizzle olive oil over shrimp and sprinkle with seafood seasoning.

Let the flavors mingle while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Fry bacon in a large skillet until it reaches golden, crispy perfection.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping those delicious bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Brown Sausage

Slide sliced sausage into the hot skillet.

Sear each side until a beautiful brown crust develops.

Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 4: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Toss the seasoned shrimp into the skillet.

Cook until they curl into a perfect ‘C’ shape and turn a vibrant pink.

Transfer to the plate with bacon and sausage.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper

Sauté until onions become translucent and soft.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 6: Transform Cabbage

Introduce another pat of butter and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the skillet.

Fold in shredded cabbage, ensuring every piece gets coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Let the cabbage cook down for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When it reaches tender perfection, reunite the bacon, shrimp, and sausage with the cabbage.

Give everything a final toss and serve hot.

Tips For Flavorful, Tender Cabbage & Shrimp

• Use a pre-mixed seafood seasoning blend to save time and ensure balanced flavor for your shrimp.
• Keep the bacon grease in the skillet to add rich, smoky depth to the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Watch for the 'C' shape and pink color to guarantee perfectly cooked shrimp without overcooking.
• Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of bacon and sausage, balancing the dish.
• Cook cabbage until just tender to maintain a slight crunch and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Mix-It-Up Variations For Fried Cabbage Fans

• Vegetarian Cabbage Skillet: Replace shrimp, sausage, and bacon with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Season alternatives with smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version. Keep seasoning and cooking method identical to original recipe.
• Seafood Medley Variation: Replace shrimp with mixed seafood like scallops, crab, or white fish. Adjust cooking time based on protein thickness and delicacy.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add andouille sausage instead of regular sausage, increase crushed red pepper, and incorporate hot sauce for extra kick and authentic Louisiana flavor profile.

Serving Fried Cabbage For A Hearty Meal

• Seafood Feast Plating: Arrange the colorful fried cabbage mixture on a large white platter, showcasing the shrimp, sausage, and crispy bacon for a stunning presentation that highlights each ingredient.
• Comfort Bowl Style: Serve in deep ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top, creating a hearty and inviting meal that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening.
• Southern Brunch Companion: Pair with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread on the side to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a traditional Southern touch to the dish.
• Low-Carb Wrap Option: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps to create a lighter, carb-conscious version that still delivers maximum flavor and protein-packed goodness.

Storing Fried Cabbage Dishes For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Wrap securely and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until thoroughly warm, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• Do I need a specific type of sausage?

Andouille or smoked sausage works best, but any mild pork sausage can be a great substitute.

• How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?

The cabbage should be tender but still have a slight crunch, and look slightly translucent with a golden edge.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from crushed red pepper and spices, but you can adjust the amount of pepper to suit your taste preference.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Savory fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage & bacon delivers Southern comfort on a plate. Crispy bacon, spicy sausage, and tender shrimp mingle with caramelized cabbage for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 10–12 shrimp, tail off & deveined
• 1 link kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut 1/2 inches
• 5 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups cabbage, cut in thin strips
• 1/2 cup yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning, then set aside to infuse flavors.
2. Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
3. Sear sausage in the same skillet, browning evenly on all sides, then remove and keep warm.
4. Quickly sauté shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape, then set aside.
5. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté onions with paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
6. Pour apple cider vinegar into the skillet, then add cabbage, tossing to coat and ensure even cooking.
7. Simmer cabbage for 10-12 minutes over medium heat until tender and slightly wilted.
8. Reintroduce bacon, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet, gently folding to distribute and warm through.
9. Serve hot, allowing the flavors to meld together for a rich, satisfying dish.

Notes

• Seasoning Boost Use fresh or dried herbs to enhance seafood seasoning’s flavor profile, ensuring each shrimp absorbs maximum taste.
• Bacon Grease Technique Render bacon fat slowly to extract maximum flavor, which will help infuse delicious smoky notes into subsequent ingredients.
• Texture Management Cut cabbage into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent mushy or undercooked sections.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for lighter protein options, and use turkey bacon for reduced fat content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg