Easy Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Crispy bacon and succulent shrimp mingle beautifully in this hearty fried cabbage recipe that promises comfort on a plate.

Skillful combinations elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tender cabbage absorbs rich flavors from smoky sausage and crisp bacon bits.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Seasoned home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that everyone around the table will appreciate.

Cabbage with Shrimp and Bacon Pairings

• Savor Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, fatty flavors of bacon and sausage, complementing the delicate shrimp with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Craft Bold Beer Match: Amber ale or wheat beer provides a robust, malty background that balances the smoky meat and adds depth to the cabbage's earthy undertones.
• Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives over the dish to brighten the overall taste and add a vibrant, fresh dimension to the hearty combination.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious bacon fat and provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender cabbage and seafood.

Copycat Coleslaw Style Combos

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace shrimp, sausage, and bacon with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Enhance flavor by adding smoked seasonings and nutritional yeast.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap cabbage with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version. Keep the same seasoning and cooking method.
• Seafood Focus: Substitute sausage and bacon with additional seafood like scallops or crab meat. Use butter instead of olive oil for a rich, oceanic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all meats and seasonings are gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and verify sausage ingredients.

FAQs

• Why use bacon fat for cooking?

Bacon fat adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create a rich, savory base for the entire dish, enhancing the overall taste of the fried cabbage.

• Can I substitute the meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out sausage for andouille or chorizo, and replace shrimp with chicken or use only one type of meat depending on your preference.

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

Look for cabbage that’s tender but still has a slight crispness – it should be softened but not mushy, with a slight bite and translucent appearance.

• What makes the shrimp cook quickly in this recipe?

Shrimp cooks fast because it turns pink and curls up within 2-3 minutes, indicating it’s done and preventing overcooking which can make it tough and rubbery.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage That Pops with Flavor

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious, hearty dish in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work and simple cooking techniques.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Combines succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and flavorful sausage for a protein-rich meal that satisfies serious hunger.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that layers flavors perfectly and reduces dish-washing time dramatically.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or when you want a robust meal that appeals to meat and vegetable lovers alike.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Ingredients

• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful base for the dish.
• Sausage: Adds hearty meat texture.
• Shrimp: Brings delicate seafood touch.

• Cabbage: Provides fresh and crunchy foundation.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic depth to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Enhance overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright garnish finish.

Sautéing Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy. Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, keeping the delicious bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Brown Sausage Slices

Slide sliced sausage into the skillet with bacon fat. Cook until the edges turn golden brown and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and place with the bacon.

Step 3: Sauté Shrimp

Add olive oil and minced garlic to the same skillet. Let the garlic dance in the oil for 1-2 minutes, then introduce the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp transform into a lovely pink color, about 2-3 minutes. Set shrimp aside with other meats.

Step 4: Soften Cabbage

• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage becomes tender but maintains a slight crunch.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return sausage, bacon, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the medley of flavors.

Cabbage Stir-Fry Tips for Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon Flavor

• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat completely and achieve maximum crispiness without burning.
• Seafood Timing Trick: Remove shrimp immediately when they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Fat Management Hack: Use bacon drippings as a natural flavor enhancer instead of discarding, creating a rich, depth of taste throughout the dish.
• Cabbage Doneness Secret: Stir occasionally and watch for slight caramelization while maintaining a slight crunch for perfect vegetable texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation Method: Replace sausage with turkey sausage and serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the recipe.

Save Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage for Later

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a tiny splash of olive oil, then reheat the dish for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to maintain texture and prevent burning.
• Spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the dish doesn't dry out by adding a tablespoon of water if needed.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Sausage & Bacon Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling fried cabbage with shrimp sausage & bacon brings Southern comfort straight to your plate. Crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and tender cabbage combine in a hearty skillet dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small head cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious iron skillet over medium flame, rendering the bacon pieces until golden and crisp, creating a flavorful base of smoky fat.
2. Transfer the crispy bacon to a separate plate, reserving the rendered drippings in the pan.
3. Introduce sliced sausage into the skillet, browning each piece evenly until developing a rich caramelized exterior.
4. Remove sausage and place alongside the bacon, maintaining the pan’s temperature and accumulated flavors.
5. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Add raw shrimp to the infused oil, cooking swiftly until they transform from translucent to vibrant pink, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Extract the shrimp and temporarily set aside, keeping the skillet’s seasoned surface intact.
8. Incorporate chopped cabbage into the pan, seasoning generously with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
9. Sauté the cabbage, stirring periodically, allowing it to soften and caramelize while maintaining a slight crunch.
10. Reunite the previously cooked bacon, sausage, and shrimp with the cabbage, gently tossing to redistribute heat and meld flavors.
11. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley, adding a bright herbal note to the robust mixture.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for a richer, more robust flavor that adds depth to the dish.
• Control skillet heat carefully to prevent burning garlic and ensure even cooking of shrimp.
• Select fresh, firm cabbage heads for the best texture and crisp-tender results.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-salt sausage or replacing some salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg