Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon: A Soulful Skillet Recipe

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is one of those comforting, flavor-packed dishes that feels like home with every bite. It’s a skillet meal that brings together tender cabbage, smoky meats, and succulent shrimp in a buttery, savory blend. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers deep satisfaction with minimal fuss.

This recipe is built on balance—hearty proteins, warm spices, and the mellow sweetness of cabbage all come together in one pan. The bacon adds richness, the sausage brings that smoky snap, and the shrimp finishes things with a bit of ocean sweetness. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

I love making this when I need something filling but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen too long. It’s fast, it’s full of bold flavors, and it uses simple ingredients. If you’ve never tried frying cabbage this way before, you’re in for a real treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon isn’t just another one-skillet meal—it’s a cozy, crave-worthy combo you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:

1. Hearty and Complete: With meat, seafood, and vegetables in one skillet, it works as a full meal without needing sides.
2. Layered Flavors: Bacon and sausage give it depth, while shrimp and cabbage keep it fresh and balanced.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, with most of the work done in one pan.
4. Minimal Cleanup: Less mess, more flavor. Everything cooks together beautifully.
5. Versatile: Make it spicier, milder, or swap in your favorite sausage or seasoning blend.
6. Great for Leftovers: It stores well and tastes even better the next day.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want something cozy and filling that doesn’t require a mountain of prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40–45 minutes

Keep in mind, your pace and heat level can shift these numbers slightly—but even on your busiest days, it’s totally doable.

Ingredients

• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 12 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

When choosing ingredients, aim for fresh shrimp and a good-quality sausage—those two really drive the flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

2. Brown the Sausage

Add the sliced sausage to the pan with the bacon fat. Sear for 4–5 minutes, turning to brown both sides. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Add a bit of olive oil if needed. Toss in the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and firm. Transfer to a separate bowl—shrimp will go back in later to avoid overcooking.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add and Wilt the Cabbage

Pile in the chopped cabbage. Stir to coat it in the onion-garlic butter. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted and starting to brown in spots.

6. Season the Dish

Sprinkle in the apple cider vinegar, seafood seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

7. Finish with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Add the cooked sausage and bacon back to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and combine flavors. Gently fold in the shrimp last, just to warm them through without overcooking.

8. Taste and Adjust

Do a final taste test. Add more vinegar, pepper, or seasoning if needed. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some thoughtful ways to elevate the experience:

1. Rustic Presentation: Serve straight from the skillet or transfer to a large serving bowl for that home-cooked feel.
2. Pair with Bread: A slice of warm cornbread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
3. Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note and helps balance the richness.
4. Side Options: While it’s a full meal, you can round it out with rice, mashed potatoes, or even cheesy grits if you’re leaning Southern.
5. Keep it Casual or Dress it Up: It works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for a casual dinner party.

This skillet meal doesn’t need much dressing up—it speaks for itself with bold, savory flavor and satisfying textures.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If using a smaller skillet, sauté the cabbage in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.
• Use Pre-cooked Sausage: Smoked or kielbasa sausage works well because it’s already cooked—just slice and sear for added flavor.
• Cook the Shrimp Separately: This keeps them tender and juicy instead of rubbery.
• Deglaze with Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and lifts the flavorful brown bits from the skillet.
• Let the Cabbage Brown: Give it a little time untouched in the pan. That golden edge adds a ton of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Looking to change it up? Here are some ideas to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:

1. Make It Low-Carb: Skip the bread or rice and enjoy it as-is for a hearty, keto-friendly meal.
2. Add Bell Peppers: Toss in sliced red or green bell peppers with the onions for added sweetness and color.
3. Spice It Up: Use Cajun or andouille sausage for more heat. Add extra red pepper flakes if you like it fiery.
4. Go Dairy-Free: Just swap out the butter for a bit more olive oil to keep it rich without the dairy.
5. Vegetarian Twist: Replace the meats with smoked tofu or mushrooms and add extra cabbage for volume.

This dish is forgiving and flexible—feel free to tweak it to match your mood or pantry.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, remove the shrimp before freezing and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until everything is heated through. A splash of water or broth can help loosen things up if it gets dry.

Special Equipment

This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, but having the right tools makes cooking smoother:

• Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet or sauté pan gives you room to work without overcrowding.
• Tongs: Useful for turning shrimp and mixing cabbage.
• Sharp Knife: Makes slicing sausage and cabbage faster and easier.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping the pan without damaging it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of cabbage is best?
Green cabbage holds up well when sautéed and gives you the best texture. Savoy also works, but Napa is too delicate.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes and sausage, but you can tone it down or turn it up depending on your spice preference.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes. You can cook everything ahead and reheat just before serving. Just add the shrimp at the end to keep them tender.

What else can I serve with this?
It goes well with rice, cornbread, grits, or even just a side of pickled vegetables for contrast.

Conclusion

Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is more than just a skillet meal—it’s a hearty, soulful dish that brings together smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite. It’s comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and satisfying without a lot of prep.

Whether you’re feeding the family or making something quick for yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s versatile enough to adjust to your preferences and filling enough to stand alone. Keep it in your regular rotation—you won’t regret it.

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