Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon

Fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon is a dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of bacon and sausage with the succulent taste of shrimp, all sautéed with tender cabbage. This dish is perfect for anyone craving a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare but full of bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this one-pot meal is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
6 strips of bacon, chopped
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for an added umami flavor)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by shredding the cabbage into thin strips, removing the core and tough stems.
Chop the bacon into small pieces, and slice the smoked sausage into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
Peel and devein the shrimp, if not already done. You can also leave the tails on for a nice presentation, or remove them if preferred.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving a little bit of rendered bacon fat for flavor.

3. Sauté the Sausage

In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage and bacon.

5. Sauté the Cabbage and Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes.
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the cabbage is softened and slightly caramelized. If the cabbage begins to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.

6. Season the Cabbage

Sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the cabbage. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

7. Combine the Meat and Shrimp with the Cabbage

Return the cooked bacon, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet with the cabbage. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce for extra flavor and moisture.

8. Serve

Once everything is cooked and well-combined, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as desired.
Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
Serve immediately, and enjoy the warm, comforting combination of crispy cabbage, smoky sausage, salty bacon, and tender shrimp!

Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

This dish combines all the elements of a satisfying meal:

Smoky, Savory Flavors: The bacon and sausage add a smoky, savory flavor that infuses the cabbage as it cooks, giving the dish a richness that’s hard to beat.
Tender Shrimp: The shrimp adds a light, delicate sweetness that balances out the heaviness of the sausage and bacon, making it a perfect protein addition.
Crispy Cabbage: Fried cabbage takes on a wonderful caramelized texture that brings out its natural sweetness, offering a perfect contrast to the meaty, rich flavors.
Quick and Easy: Despite the depth of flavor, this dish comes together quickly in one pan—perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, delicious meal without a lot of hassle.

Variations and Tips

Add Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the mix for extra color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the cabbage.
Spicy Kick: For extra heat, toss in some jalapeño peppers or hot sauce.
Low-Carb Version: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish is already a great fit! You can skip the soy sauce or use a low-sodium version to keep it healthier.
Swap the Meats: While this recipe uses sausage, bacon, and shrimp, you can swap the sausage for chicken or ground beef, or even try adding chorizo for a more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon is a hearty meal that can stand alone, but here are some ideas for pairing it:

Rice: Serve the dish over rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
Bread: Serve with some crispy bread or buttery rolls to mop up any leftover juices.
Salads: Pair it with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon is the ultimate comfort food that packs a punch in terms of flavor. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special family meal. The savory bacon and sausage, tender shrimp, and caramelized cabbage all come together in a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Next time you’re looking for a meal that’s simple yet flavorful, give this fried cabbage recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!