Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage

Section: Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Families

Tender cabbage, smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, and savory sausage come together in this Southern-inspired skillet. Each bite delivers rich, balanced flavors from slow-sautéed vegetables and robust seasoning. This one-pan meal is filling yet light, keeping cleanup easy and carbs low. Fresh shrimp and smoky meats make this skillet a standout choice, ideal for busy weeknights or comfort meals. Enjoy with your favorite sides or a fried egg for added flair.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:27:15 GMT
A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage. Bookmark
A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage. | imaninthekitchen.com

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
A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage.
A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage. | imaninthekitchen.com

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

A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage.
A bowl of shrimp, sausage, and cabbage. | imaninthekitchen.com

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.

Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage

Southern-style skillet with smoky bacon, shrimp, sausage, and cabbage for a hearty, low-carb meal.

Prep Time
18 minutes
Cooking Time
32 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Origin: Southern American

Portions: 4 Serves (One large skillet (main course for four))

Diet Preferences: Low-Carbohydrate, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Proteins

01 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 8 ounces kielbasa sausage or smoked sausage, sliced
03 4 ounces bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
05 1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Fats and Oils

07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

→ Seasonings and Spices

09 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
10 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
11 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
14 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while preparing other ingredients.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add sliced sausage. Sear until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 04

Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 05

Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Sauté diced onion with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for 6 minutes, or until onions are soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 06

Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir in sliced cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes or until cabbage is tender but retains structure.

Step 07

Return bacon, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Let shrimp marinate briefly in seasoning for enhanced flavor and avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
  2. Adding apple cider vinegar heightens overall taste balance and helps brighten the dish.
  3. Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for optimal texture.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spatula

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • May contain pork or turkey, depending on sausage or bacon selection.
  • Contains milk if using standard butter.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 355
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 24 g