Here’s a detailed recipe for Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon, followed by FAQs that address common questions and troubleshooting tips.
🥘 Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon – Detailed Recipe
✅ Ingredients:
Proteins:
- 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled & deveined (medium or large)
- 1/2 lb (225g) smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 4–6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 small bell pepper, sliced
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (great with shrimp)
Fats:
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed, for sautéing)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep Everything First
- Chop cabbage, slice sausage, chop bacon, slice onions, and mince garlic.
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or Old Bay.
2. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet or wok, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Cook the Sausage
- In the bacon fat, brown the sausage slices (2–3 mins per side) until caramelized.
- Remove and set aside with the bacon.
4. Cook the Shrimp
- Add a bit of oil if needed. Sauté shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Don’t overcook.
- Remove and set aside.
5. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pan, add onion and optional bell pepper. Cook until soft (4–5 minutes).
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
6. Add Cabbage
- Add chopped cabbage to the pan in batches, letting it wilt slightly as you stir.
- Sprinkle with seasonings (paprika, cayenne, salt, etc.) and stir well.
- Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and lightly browned in spots.
7. Combine Everything
- Return shrimp, sausage, and bacon to the pan.
- Mix well and cook for 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
8. Serve Hot
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a splash of hot sauce.
❓ FAQs – Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon
🔹 1. Can I use precooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the very end and just warm it through. Overcooking will make it rubbery.
🔹 2. What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like:
- Andouille (spicy, Cajun flavor)
- Kielbasa (milder, smoky)
- Turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option
Avoid raw breakfast sausage unless fully cooked beforehand.
🔹 3. Can I make it keto or low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb. Just check sausage labels for added sugar or fillers.
🔹 4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add:
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce
- Spicy sausage like andouille
🔹 5. Can I make it ahead of time?
It reheats well! Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
🔹 6. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but cabbage may lose its texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
🔹 7. What should I serve with it?
- Cornbread
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Grits
- Garlic bread
🔹 8. Can I leave out the shrimp or bacon?
Absolutely:
- No shrimp? Add more sausage or sub chicken.
- No bacon? Use oil or butter for sautéing; add smoked paprika for flavor.
🔹 9. What oil is best if I skip bacon?
Use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter. For added smokiness, you could use a bit of liquid smoke.
🔹 10. How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy?
- Don’t overcook it. Stir-fry over medium-high heat.
- Cook in batches if your pan is small.
- Add salt later to avoid drawing out too much moisture too early.
Would you like a printable version, or would you like it adapted for slow cooker, oven, or meal prep?