Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage – Hearty, Flavorful & Comforting Skillet Dinner

by

Some recipes just have a way of bringing the family together, and this Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is one of them. Imagine tender cabbage cooked until lightly caramelized, paired with smoky sausage slices and juicy shrimp that sear up golden in the skillet. The result? A hearty yet surprisingly light dish that feels cozy, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation—simple enough for weeknights, yet delicious enough to serve when company comes over. Pin this one for your next family dinner night!

Why You’ll Love It

  • One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
  • Balanced flavors: The smoky richness of sausage, the sweet tenderness of cabbage, and the juicy bite of shrimp make every forkful exciting.
  • Wholesome and filling: Packed with protein and veggies, this is a healthy dinner recipe that feels indulgent.
  • Quick to make: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Works with different types of sausage, seasonings, and veggies depending on what’s in your fridge.
  • Family-approved: Comfort food that satisfies both hearty appetites and those craving lighter, wholesome meals.

Time Needed

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sear the shrimp Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the sausage In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked turkey sausage. Sear until browned and slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
  3. Sauté the vegetables Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Add chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  4. Combine everything Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and black pepper. Let flavors meld for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Serve & enjoy Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, crusty bread, or on its own as a hearty low-carb meal.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat lovers.
  • Southern Style: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang and brightness.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
  • Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or dill for a fragrant finish.

Tips from Chef Emma

  • Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp for the best sear.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook ingredients in batches if needed.
  • Use smoked turkey sausage for rich flavor with a healthier twist.
  • Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave for quick next-day lunches.

Nutrition Info per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 340
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Sodium: 920mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
    A: Yes! You can prep the cabbage and slice the sausage ahead. Cook the shrimp fresh just before serving for the best texture.
  • Q: What type of sausage works best?
    A: Smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage are great choices. You can also use beef sausage for a heartier flavor.
  • Q: Can I freeze this dish?
    A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture.
  • Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
    A: Yes! Fried cabbage is naturally low in carbs, making this a healthy dinner option when paired with protein-rich shrimp and sausage.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a recipe that delivers everything you want in a skillet dinner—flavorful, hearty, and simple to make. With tender cabbage, smoky sausage, and perfectly seared shrimp, it’s comfort food with a healthy twist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Save this recipe to your Healthy Dinners board so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage – Hearty, Flavorful & Comforting Skillet Dinner

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is a savory, hearty skillet meal with tender cabbage, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage all tossed together in a light seasoning. A wholesome, comforting dinner that’s quick to make on busy weeknights yet indulgent enough for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the shrimp

    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  2. Cook the sausage

    In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked turkey sausage. Sear until browned and slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.

  3. Sauté the vegetables

    Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Add chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.

  4. Combine everything

    Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and black pepper. Let flavors meld for 2–3 minutes.

  5. Serve & enjoy

    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, crusty bread, or on its own as a hearty low-carb meal.

Notes

This recipe reheats beautifully for meal prep. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter, healthier twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 30g

Keywords: fried cabbage, shrimp and sausage skillet, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal, one pan dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆