FRIED CABBAGE WITH SHRIMP

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cuisine Type: Southern / Cajun / Soul Food

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is a hearty, savory skillet meal that brings smoky, salty, and slightly spicy flavors together in one pan. Whether you’re eating low-carb, want to spice up your veggie routine, or just love bold comfort food, this dish is the perfect blend of protein and greens.

It’s also highly customizable: make it spicy, mild, keto-friendly, or even dairy-free — and the whole thing comes together in less than an hour!

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (chopped into bite-size pieces)

• ½ pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• ½ pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds – andouille or kielbasa work well)

• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon (chopped)

• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or bacon grease)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice

• Bell peppers (chopped – for color and sweetness)

• A splash of apple cider vinegar for tang

• Green onions (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Large cast iron skillet or deep sauté pan

• Knife and cutting board

• Mixing bowl (for seasoning shrimp)

• Slotted spoon or spatula

Prep & Cooking Time Breakdown

Pro Tip: Chop all ingredients before turning on the heat — once the cooking starts, it moves quickly!

How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place chopped bacon in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium.

• Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes.

• Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

• Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan (or more if you want extra flavor).

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

In the same skillet, add your sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.

• Remove and set aside with the bacon.

• If needed, add a little oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.

• Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or more bacon fat).

• Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked.

• Remove and set aside. Don’t overcook!

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add chopped onion (and optional bell peppers if using) to the pan.

• Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

• Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed. It will wilt as it cooks.

• Drizzle with more oil or bacon grease as needed.

• Season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Stir frequently and cook until tender but not mushy – about 10–12 minutes.

Optional: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar in the last few minutes to brighten the flavor.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once the cabbage is cooked:

1. Return the bacon and sausage to the skillet.

2. Add the shrimp back in.

3. Toss everything to combine and warm through for 2–3 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with:

• Sliced green onions

• A few red pepper flakes

• Optional: A dollop of hot sauce or lemon wedge

Serve as-is or with rice, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a heartier plate.

Flavor Profile

• Savory & smoky from the bacon and sausage

• Tender and sweet cabbage

• Juicy, mild shrimp

• A touch of heat from Cajun spices

• Optional tang from vinegar

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values may vary depending on brands, cuts of meat, and added ingredients.