
This Southern-inspired skillet brings together crisp bacon, juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender cabbage all in one pan for a crave-worthy meal. It is perfect for evenings when you want something comforting but still light and full of bold flavor. The balance of soft sautéed vegetables and seasoned meats gives every bite richness and a fresh pop that makes this a favorite even on busy weeknights.
I first made this when I was low on groceries and it has quickly become a top request on weekends my family asks for this every few weeks and it never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Bacon: Provides smoky depth and crisp bits that elevate the entire skillet choose thick cut for extra flavor
- Shrimp: Gives freshness and protein look for peeled and deveined for quicker prep
- Kielbasa or smoked sausage: Adds hearty bite and complex seasoning opt for high quality smoked sausage if available
- Cabbage: Becomes sweet and tender when sautéed select heads that feel heavy for their size with bright leaves
- Yellow onion: Builds flavor when slowly cooked pick firm onions with papery skin for best results
- Garlic: Offers a pungent aromatic kick always use fresh garlic for stronger flavor
- Olive oil: Helps season the shrimp evenly a robust variety adds richness
- Butter: Brings silkiness to the cabbage and helps with even cooking use real butter for depth
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acid to balance the long cooked fats unfiltered gives more complexity
- Seafood seasoning: Enhances the shrimp look for blends with celery salt and paprika for extra punch
- Smoked paprika: Brings roundness and subtle campfire quality choose a Spanish origin for best flavor
- Black pepper: Gives mild heat grind fresh for aroma
- Salt: Ties everything together flaky salt works well for finishing
- Dried oregano: Adds a herbal note choose leaves that are green and fragrant
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Let you control heat level use fresh flakes for stronger spice
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil and seafood seasoning until every piece is evenly coated and allow them to rest while you prepare the other ingredients to help absorb maximum flavor
- Crisp the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook the chopped bacon slowly until the pieces are golden brown and curly transfer the bacon to paper towels but keep the rendered fat in the pan for extra taste
- Brown the Sausage:
- Using the same skillet and bacon fat cook your sausage slices until both sides have a deep brown color about three minutes per side then remove them and set aside for later
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same pan arrange the seasoned shrimp in one layer and let them cook untouched for three minutes per side until they turn pink and start to curl remove and set aside to keep them tender
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt then add chopped onions along with paprika oregano salt black pepper and red pepper flakes cook gently on medium heat for about six minutes until the onions are softened and beginning to caramelize next add minced garlic and stir constantly for another thirty seconds
- Sauté the Cabbage:
- Drop in the remaining butter and apple cider vinegar toss the shredded cabbage to coat every strand then let it cook for twelve minutes stirring just enough to keep it from sticking you want the cabbage to become tender not mushy to keep a bit of bite
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the bacon sausage and shrimp to your skillet and use a big spoon to toss everything together over heat for two minutes to warm through taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed

Shrimp is always a hit in my family and this dish was the first to get even my picky eater to ask for seconds I often find myself sneaking an extra bite of sautéed cabbage just for that sweet and smoky flavor.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool before storing to help keep the vegetables from going soggy. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently. Skip the microwave if possible a few minutes in a skillet brings everything back to life.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap turkey bacon for regular bacon for a lighter dish. Use chicken sausage or andouille for a spicier finish. Red cabbage brings a colorful touch and stays firmer after sautéing.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop over cauliflower mash or a spoonful of steamed rice for a bigger plate. If serving for brunch top with a fried egg and some hot sauce. A simple salad or cornbread on the side makes it feel extra homey.
Cultural and Historical Context
This skillet-style dish nods to Southern kitchens where one pan meals are a weeknight solution and ingredients like cabbage bacon and sausage are kitchen staples I love how this recipe makes the most of traditional flavors without feeling heavy and fits modern diets

This recipe will save you on busy nights or fill a table with Southern comfort everyone will want a second helping The key to unforgettable flavor is a bit of patience with browning and that final vinegary pop each spoonful is deeply satisfying yet still leaves you full of energy
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes, you can pre-chop ingredients and pre-cook meats. Assemble and reheat in a skillet before serving.
- → What sausage is best for this dish?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds deep flavor and a hearty bite, complementing shrimp and cabbage beautifully.
- → Is this skillet low in carbs?
Yes, with cabbage as a main ingredient and no added starch, it is a satisfying lower-carb option.
- → Can shrimp be swapped out?
Absolutely. Try chicken or extra sausage for a different protein, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
- → How should leftovers be reheated?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep meats juicy and cabbage texture intact.
- → Is the spice level customizable?
The dish is mildly spicy by default. Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to your taste preference.