Savory Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

My kitchen adventure with fried cabbage sparked a delightful culinary exploration that combines smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and crispy bacon.

The harmonious blend of ingredients creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish tells a story of comfort and indulgence.

Memories of southern cooking rush back with each savory bite.

A skillet sizzling with perfectly caramelized vegetables and protein-packed delights.

Crisp edges, rich layers, and bold seasonings promise a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, trust me.

Tips For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

• Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Render bacon slowly over medium heat to maximize crispiness and extract maximum flavor for the entire dish.
• Avoid Overcooking Seafood: Monitor shrimp closely during cooking, removing them immediately when they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, succulent quality.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder directly to cabbage for deep, even flavor distribution throughout the entire skillet.
• Manage Moisture Wisely: Allow cabbage to release its natural water content while cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve ideal slightly crisp texture.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap proteins based on dietary preferences – use turkey sausage for leaner version or omit meat entirely for vegetarian adaptation with added plant-based protein like tofu.

How To Store And Reheat Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading in the refrigerator.
• Preserve Duration: Keep refrigerated for 34 days maximum. After this period, discard to ensure food safety and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Reheating Skillet: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, use the microwave on medium power. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent the cabbage from becoming tough or rubbery.

Side Dishes For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

• Spice Up with Southern Comfort Drink: Pair this hearty Southern-style dish with a cold, crisp amber ale or a refreshing sweet tea to complement the rich, smoky flavors of bacon and sausage.
• Cool Down with Zesty Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light, tangy coleslaw or citrus-dressed green salad to balance the richness of the fried cabbage and provide a fresh contrast to the heavy protein combination.
• Bread Basket Boost: Serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious bacon grease and seasoned cooking juices, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Wine Lover's Perfect Match: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to cut through the dish's richness while highlighting the seafood and smoky sausage notes.

Tasty Changes For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

• Seafood Harvest Skillet: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops and crab meat for an elevated ocean-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Vegetarian Garden Medley: Swap meats with plant-based alternatives like smoked tofu, tempeh, and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers and mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Spicy Cajun Cabbage Bowl: Increase red pepper flakes, add andouille sausage, and sprinkle Cajun seasoning for a fiery Louisiana-style rendition that packs serious heat.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Eliminate butter, use olive oil, and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal that maintains rich, satisfying flavors while reducing carbohydrate content.

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon FAQs

• What makes this fried cabbage dish special?

This recipe combines three delicious proteins – bacon, sausage, and shrimp – with tender cabbage, creating a hearty and flavorful one-skillet meal that’s packed with rich, savory tastes.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage works great, you can substitute with andouille, kielbasa, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to the skillet.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild heat level with optional red pepper flakes. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder version.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and form a gentle C-shape. Overcooking will make them tough, so cook them just until they’re no longer translucent, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.

What Makes Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon Stand Out

• Savor Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, smoky sausage, and succulent shrimp, creating a taste adventure in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with simple cooking techniques that require minimal prep and maximum flavor impact.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by cooking everything in a single skillet, making this dish perfect for busy home cooks who want minimal kitchen mess.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with three different proteins, this cabbage dish offers a hearty, satisfying meal that combines classic Southern cooking with a modern twist.

Ingredients For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

• Bacon: Crispy, flavorful fat that adds depth and richness to the dish. Thick-cut works best for maximum crunch.
• Smoked Sausage: Provides smoky, hearty flavor and additional protein. Andouille or kielbasa recommended.
• Shrimp: Delicate seafood that adds a light, sweet protein component. Fresh or frozen work well.

• Cabbage: Crunchy base vegetable that softens when cooked. Green cabbage is traditional and holds shape well.
• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation to the dish. Yellow or white onions are most suitable.
• Garlic: Provides intense, sharp flavor. Fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps with caramelization. Unsalted butter gives better flavor control.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky undertone. Adds complexity to overall taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides concentrated onion flavor. Helps distribute seasoning evenly.
• Garlic Powder: Offers consistent garlic taste. Complements fresh garlic.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors. Kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth. Freshly ground preferred.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra spiciness. Adjust to personal heat preference.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish. Adds bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How To Cook Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Transfer crispy bacon to a plate, leaving behind the delicious bacon grease.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Slide smoked sausage slices into the same skillet. Cook until edges turn rich golden brown and develop a delightful caramelized exterior. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

Toss plump shrimp into the hot skillet. Cook quickly until they transform from translucent to beautiful pink, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. Transfer shrimp to the plate with bacon and sausage.

Step 4: Transform The Cabbage

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and cook until cabbage softens but maintains a slight crunch.

Step 5: Reunite The Ingredients

Return bacon, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an optional spicy kick. Gently mix and warm everything together.

Step 6: Plate And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice or golden cornbread for a complete meal bursting with flavor.

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon” brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its hearty blend of flavors. Crispy bacon, spicy sausage, and succulent shrimp mingle perfectly with tender cabbage, offering a delightful one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ pound (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• ½ pound (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat for subsequent cooking stages.
2. Introduce sliced smoked sausage to the residual bacon drippings, browning each piece until caramelized edges develop. Extract the sausage and place alongside the bacon.
3. Sear the shrimp in the same skillet, cooking briefly until they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink hue with delicate curled edges. Remove and set with the other proteins.
4. Melt butter in the skillet, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet undertones.
5. Introduce chopped cabbage to the skillet, seasoning generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and allow the cabbage to wilt and caramelize.
6. Reintroduce the reserved bacon, sausage, and shrimp to the cabbage mixture. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an optional heat boost. Gently fold the ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld and proteins to reheat.
7. Transfer the vibrant, protein-laden cabbage to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by rice or cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Crisp up bacon slowly to render maximum fat and develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of frying.
• Use high-quality smoked sausage for an extra layer of smoky complexity that enhances the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Consider reducing salt if using bacon and smoked sausage, as these ingredients already contribute significant saltiness to the recipe.
• For a lighter version, substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon and use lean chicken sausage to decrease overall fat content.
• Experiment with different cabbage varieties like Napa or Savoy for subtle texture and flavor variations.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for bright acidity that cuts through the richness of meats.
• Gluten-free option: Verify sausage ingredients and use gluten-free seasonings to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg