Spicy Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

This spicy fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage is a bold, hearty one-pan wonder that packs a punch of flavor. With tender cabbage, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage sautéed together with a kick of spice, this dish turns humble ingredients into a fiery, soul-warming meal that’s quick to make and hard to forget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something filling, full of flavor, and on the table fast, this dish delivers. It hits every note: spicy, savory, juicy, and just enough crunch from the cabbage. It’s a complete meal in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Pure Comfort

There’s something deeply comforting about fried cabbage, especially when it’s spiced up and paired with plump shrimp and savory sausage. The flavors mingle into something rich and satisfying. It’s got that Southern soul food feel with a modern, spicy twist that’ll warm you right up.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Proteins

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Cooking Essentials

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

What You Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Paper towels (for drying shrimp)

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Prep the Ingredients
   Chop cabbage, slice onions and peppers, mince garlic. Pat shrimp dry and slice the sausage.
2. Sauté the Sausage
   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sear shrimp until just pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
   Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the Cabbage
   Toss in chopped cabbage. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
6. Steam the Cabbage
   Add chicken broth or water. Cover and let the cabbage steam for about 5 minutes until it softens.
7. Combine Everything
   Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together, add a dash of hot sauce if using, and cook another 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Serve Hot
   Plate it up straight from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Make It Perfect

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—keep them juicy and tender.
• Let the sausage crisp up for added texture and flavor.
• Use a wide skillet to avoid overcrowding and soggy cabbage.
• Taste as you go and adjust the heat level to your liking.

Mix It Up

• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein.
• Add diced tomatoes or a can of Rotel for a saucy twist.
• Use turkey sausage or andouille for another flavor profile.
• Stir in a spoonful of Cajun seasoning for an extra Southern vibe.

Perfect Partners

• Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or grits.
• Pair with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
• Add a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad.

Busy Day Hero

With just one skillet and 30 minutes, this dish saves the day. Minimal chopping, quick cook time, and bold flavors make it a weeknight warrior.

Work Ahead

Chop the cabbage, peppers, and sausage the night before. Store in the fridge and toss everything together when you’re ready to cook.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers reheat beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Everyone’s Happy

This dish brings a crowd together. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made low-carb depending on the sausage. Just adjust the spice levels for the little ones!

Good For You Too

Cabbage is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Add lean protein from shrimp and sausage, and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal.

Easy Clean Up

One skillet = one pan to wash. Use pre-chopped cabbage or frozen shrimp to make prep even easier.

Switch It Up

• Make it a stir-fry: Add soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
• Go Tex-Mex: Add cumin, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese on top.
• Keep it low-carb: Skip any starches and double the veggies.

Simply Perfect

Spicy fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage brings comfort, flavor, and just enough heat to the table. It’s quick, versatile, and downright delicious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end just to warm it up—don’t overcook or it’ll get rubbery.

What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, andouille, or even kielbasa works great. Choose what you love.

Is it very spicy?
It has a kick! Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based sausage and swap shrimp for mushrooms or chickpeas.

What oil is best for frying?
Olive oil or avocado oil are great. Use butter for richer flavor.

What can I serve this with?
Rice, potatoes, cornbread, or even wrapped in a tortilla as a spicy wrap!

Conclusion

This spicy fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage is everything you need in one sizzling skillet—bold, filling, comforting, and fast. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving something hearty with heat, this dish brings serious flavor without fuss. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular on your table.

More Bold and Savory Recipes to Explore

Craving more dishes with a kick after trying the Spicy Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage? Keep the flavor fiesta going with the irresistible Tempura Shrimp Recipe—lightly crispy and perfect as a seafood starter. For something heartier, the saucy and satisfying Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce pack a delicious punch. If you’re into savory sausage vibes, you’ll love the Southern-style Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes as a perfect side. Want to balance the spice with something creamy? The indulgent Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits the spot. And for a creative twist, the cheesy Pizza Burger Pie brings all the comfort of two favorites in one.

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