Crispy Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Sizzling Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Dive into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with this irresistible fried cabbage with sausage that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Southern comfort meets seafood elegance in this hearty dish packed with rich, smoky flavors.

Crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage mingle perfectly with tender cabbage leaves.

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

The combination of ingredients creates a one-skillet wonder that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how these few ingredients come together in pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Serve Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon With Confidence

  • Perfect Plate Partners: Hearty rice pilaf adds a soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious skillet flavors.
  • Comfort Side Companions: Warm, buttery cornbread complements the savory dish, offering a sweet and crumbly contrast to the rich proteins and cabbage.
  • Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions on top for a bright, crisp garnish that adds color and a light herbal note to the robust meal.
  • Wine & Beverage Buddies: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer pairs wonderfully, cutting through the dish's richness and cleansing the palate between bites.

Store Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon Without Sog

  • Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors sealed and texture intact.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and restore moisture to cabbage and proteins.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Package cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Chop ingredients in advance and store separately in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly when ready to cook. Bacon, sausage, and shrimp can be prepped earlier in the week, streamlining your cooking process.

Everything You Need For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

For Proteins:
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky, rich flavor and crispy texture to the dish, choose thick-cut for maximum crunch.
  • Smoked Sausage: Provides a deep, robust taste and hearty element, look for high-quality sausage with natural casings.
  • Shrimp: Brings a delicate seafood sweetness, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for best flavor.
For Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Create a flavor foundation, pick firm onions and fresh garlic for maximum taste.
  • Cabbage: Serves as the main vegetable base, choose fresh, crisp cabbage with bright green leaves.
For Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Intensify overall flavor profile, select high-quality ground spices for depth.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and elevate the dish's taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat booster, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize vegetables, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
  • Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and color, choose vibrant green leaves.

Kitchen Tools For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients and building layers of flavor.
  • Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon and other meats without excess grease.
  • Chef's knife: Crucial for chopping bacon, sausage, onion, and cabbage precisely.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and toss ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices.

How To Cook Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

  • Bacon Preparation

Sizzle chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crisp. Carefully transfer golden pieces to a side plate, reserving the flavorful grease.

  • Sausage Searing

Drop sliced smoked sausage into the skillet, allowing them to brown and develop deep caramelized edges. Remove and set beside the bacon.

  • Seafood Sauteing

Gently place shrimp in the hot skillet, cooking until they transform into a beautiful pink color with slightly curled edges. Transfer to the waiting plate.

  • Cabbage Transformation

Introduce butter, diced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Let them dance and soften, releasing aromatic flavors. Sprinkle in cabbage with a medley of spices – smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together, allowing cabbage to become tender yet maintain a delightful crunch.

  • Final Fusion

Reunite bacon, sausage, and shrimp with the cabbage. Scatter red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Stir and warm everything together, blending flavors into a harmonious dish.

  • Serving Suggestion

Scatter fresh parsley on top and serve piping hot. Enjoy alongside fluffy rice or golden cornbread for a complete meal that celebrates Southern comfort.

Flavor Tips For Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Sausage And Bacon

  • Perfect Bacon Crispiness: Slice bacon into uniform pieces for even cooking, ensuring maximum crunchiness without burning.
  • Seafood Freshness Hack: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp with firm texture and mild ocean scent to guarantee the best flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace cabbage with cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains similar taste and texture.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shrimp and sausage with plant-based protein like smoked tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage crumbles to create a meat-free version without compromising rich, smoky flavors.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings based on personal heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish at their comfort level.
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Crispy Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Crispy Fried Cabbage With Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Hearty fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage & bacon delivers Southern comfort on a single plate. Savory ingredients mingle with smoky bacon and tender seafood, creating a robust dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ pound (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ pound (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (tbsps) 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

Instructions

  1. Bacon Rendering: Heat a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook bacon until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while preserving the rendered fat.
  2. Protein Layering: Sear sliced smoked sausage in bacon drippings until caramelized, then remove. Repeat the process with shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and curl slightly, then set aside with the sausage.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in the skillet, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Introduce chopped cabbage, seasoning with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Allow cabbage to wilt and caramelize, stirring occasionally. Reintegrate the reserved bacon, sausage, and shrimp into the skillet, gently folding to combine and reheat all components.
  5. Final Presentation: Sprinkle optional red pepper flakes for added heat. Transfer the vibrant mixture to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately alongside rice or cornbread.

Notes

  • Manage Fat Content: Drain excess bacon and sausage fat to control overall dish richness and reduce calorie density.
  • Optimize Protein Texture: Cook shrimp precisely, removing them immediately when pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked consistency.
  • Control Cabbage Doneness: Sauté cabbage until slightly wilted but still retains crisp texture, avoiding mushy or soggy results.
  • Enhance Flavor Layering: Add spices progressively during cooking stages to build complex, deep flavor profiles throughout the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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