Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage And Bacon

The idea for Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage And Bacon came to me on a chilly evening when I was yearning something hearty but not too heavy. I had some leftover cabbage in the fridge, and as I rummaged through the pantry, I found a few strips of bacon, a sausage link, and some shrimp from a recent seafood purchase.

It all just clicked. I had never thought to combine these ingredients before, but I had a gut feeling it would work—boy, was I right! The crispy bacon adds a smoky richness, the sausage gives a savory kick, and the shrimp brings a fresh burst of seafood flavor.

The cabbage, tender and slightly sweet, pulls everything together, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The first bite took me back to those cozy evenings spent with family, sharing simple, yet unforgettable meals. If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch and is easy to make, this is the one!

Short Description

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the rich tastes of bacon and sausage with tender shrimp and cabbage. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of savory goodness.

Key Ingredients

• 5 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cups cabbage, cut in thin strips
• 10-12 shrimp, tail off & deveined
• 1 link of kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp seafood seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Tools Needed

• Skillet or griddle
• Knife and chopping board
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by seasoning the shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it turns crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, but keep the rendered grease in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices to the skillet and brown them on both sides. Once they’re nicely seared, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Onions and Spices
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onions, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using).

Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Cabbage and Vinegar
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and allow the butter to melt.

Toss in the cabbage and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Combine the Ingredients
Once the cabbage is cooked, stir in the bacon, shrimp, and sausage. Toss everything together, ensuring the flavors are well distributed.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow everything to meld together. Serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: The smoky bacon and sausage combine beautifully with the delicate shrimp and tender cabbage, offering a satisfying meal full of flavor.

Quick and easy: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

One-pan wonder: With just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

Versatile: You can easily swap out the shrimp for chicken or even go vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture. Watch them closely and remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re pink and curled into a “C” shape.

2. Undercooking the Cabbage
Cabbage can take time to soften. If it’s too crunchy for your liking, keep cooking it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.

3. Burning the Garlic
Garlic burns easily and can turn bitter. Make sure to add it after the onions have softened, and cook it for just a minute until fragrant.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Main Dish: Serve this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon as a main course, paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would complement the smoky flavors. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the cabbage moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cabbage soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute kielbasa with any smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and sausage and use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh if you prefer.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, add a little bit of broth to avoid the cabbage becoming too dry.

4. What can I serve this with?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.

5. Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper adds a mild heat, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Tips & Tricks

Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice tolerance. You can also experiment with adding hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in bell peppers, carrots, or even kale to add more veggies to the dish.

Recipe Variations

1. Cajun Twist
For a Cajun-style variation, increase the amount of seafood seasoning and smoked paprika. Add a bit of Cajun seasoning for an extra kick and a bold flavor profile. The shrimp and sausage will take on a deeper, spicier flavor.

2. Creamy Version
Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy texture. This will give the cabbage a velvety finish that balances the smokiness of the bacon and sausage.

3. Extra Veggie Add-In
Add mushrooms or zucchini to the skillet when cooking the onions to introduce more vegetables into the mix. It’ll still be hearty and satisfying without taking away from the original flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon dish has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal that never fails to satisfy. The mix of savory sausage, smoky bacon, and fresh shrimp creates layers of flavor, while the cabbage ties everything together with its tender bite.

Plus, it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight yet flavorful enough to impress guests. If you’re looking for something that’s both comforting and exciting, this dish is a must-try. It’s one of those recipes that you can play around with, tweaking the ingredients to suit your personal taste. I’m sure it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen just as it has in mine!