A Savory Twist: Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds

Photo byfamily cook recipes

When you think of comfort food, cabbage might not be the first ingredient to come to mind. But paired with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and crispy bacon, this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon recipe becomes a savory delight you can’t resist. It’s a dish that brings together different flavors and textures for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to whip up. Whether you're preparing dinner for the family or simply looking to enjoy some bold flavors, this dish delivers.

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

This recipe is more than just fried cabbage. The combination of sweet, succulent shrimp, salty bacon, and smoky sausage creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Shrimp adds a lightness to the dish, while the kielbasa or smoked sausage provides a hearty, savory balance. The bacon? Well, it brings that crispy, salty goodness that we all crave. All these ingredients come together over a base of tender, seasoned cabbage, cooked to perfection with garlic and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of tang.

The best part is that this dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The preparation is straightforward, with everything cooked in one skillet. That means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cups cabbage, cut into thin strips
• 10-12 shrimp, tails off and deveined
• 1 link of kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp seafood seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Season the shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the grease in the pan.
3. Add the sausage slices to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set aside.
4. Next, cook the shrimp in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and form a "C" shape. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, followed by the onions, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the apple cider vinegar, allowing them to mix thoroughly with the spices and onions.
7. Toss in the cabbage, making sure it is well coated with the seasonings. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
8. Finally, stir in the bacon, shrimp, and sausage to heat through, and enjoy your meal!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to deliver comfort and bold flavors with minimal effort. The cabbage takes on all the flavors from the bacon fat, seasonings, and vinegar, making it irresistibly delicious. The shrimp and sausage give it a perfect balance of seafood and smoky meatiness, while the bacon adds that irresistible crunch. It’s a simple meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, this fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon is an absolute winner. It’s quick, flavorful, and sure to satisfy any craving for a savory, hearty meal.

Here are some helpful sources for the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon recipe:

1. My Home Made Recipe offers a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish. It includes tips on seasoning, cooking each ingredient, and serving suggestions​(My Home Made Recipe).
2. Crisp Recipes details a version of the recipe that emphasizes the importance of sautéing the cabbage in the fat rendered from the bacon and sausage, adding depth to the flavors​(Crisp Recipes).
3. Little Healthy Life shares a version that incorporates apple cider vinegar for a tangy balance, along with step-by-step instructions that focus on the layering of flavors​(Little Healthy Life).
4. Noty Cheese includes additional tips on how to prevent overcooking the shrimp and balancing the smoky, spicy, and savory elements of the dish​(Noty Cheese).

These sources provide variations and tips to enhance your dish, making sure it's both flavorful and easy to prepare!