Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

Craving something hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly Southern? Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite skillet meals: Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage. This easy, one-pan dish is packed with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and crisp yet buttery cabbage that soaks up every bit of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family gathering, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, savoriness, and soul.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are—and yet, the results taste like something that’s been simmering all day.

Best of all? It comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it on its own, or pair it with a side of cornbread or fluffy white rice for a complete Southern comfort meal.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients List

To make this flavorful fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or Kielbasa works great)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• You can use pre-shredded cabbage if you’re in a rush—just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may soften more quickly.
• Want a spicier kick? Try using Cajun sausage or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Frozen shrimp works just fine—just make sure they’re fully thawed and dried before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet helps everything cook evenly.
2. Cutting Board & Knife – For chopping your cabbage and slicing sausage.
3. Tongs or Wooden Spoon – To stir and mix ingredients with ease.
4. Measuring Spoons – For precise seasoning.
5. Paper Towels – To pat the shrimp dry before cooking, which helps get that perfect sear.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients and tools ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. This dish is all about layering flavors—so don’t rush it. Follow these easy steps for a skillet full of savory goodness.

1. Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden and the sausage is beautifully caramelized. This step adds a deep, smoky flavor to the base of the dish.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want to sear the sausage, not steam it.
Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those brown bits = flavor!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Now, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the sausage.

3. Sauté the Cabbage

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then toss in the chopped cabbage. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite. You want it soft, but not soggy.

4. Combine and Finish

Now, return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the cabbage. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and let the flavors mingle.

Garnishing & Serving

This dish is already bursting with flavor, but a little garnish can take it to the next level. Here’s how to finish it off beautifully:

Garnish with Fresh Parsley

For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top. It adds a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of the sausage and shrimp.

Serve Hot

I recommend serving this fried cabbage with shrimp and sausage hot, right out of the skillet. It’s delicious on its own, but if you’re craving a side, here are a few ideas:

• Cornbread – The soft, slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with the savory, smoky flavors.
• White Rice – A simple bed of rice can help balance out the dish and absorb all the delicious juices.
• Garlic Bread – If you want to add a little extra indulgence, garlic bread is always a winner.

Recipe Variations & Tips

Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Veggies – Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Spicy – If you love spice, try adding a few sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the cabbage while it cooks.
• Swap Proteins – If shrimp isn’t your thing, chicken breast or pork sausage could be great alternatives.

Storage & Leftovers

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it’s still great the next day. Here’s how to store any leftovers:

How to Keep Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage Fresh

After your meal, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary.

Freezing Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage

If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze it. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 1 month. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a skillet or microwave. While the texture of the cabbage might change slightly after freezing, it will still be delicious!

Conclusion

This Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, it’s the perfect combination of smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and tender cabbage. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste, making it as spicy or mild as you like.

So, next time you’re craving something comforting, fire up that skillet and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t regret it. And, if you have leftovers (lucky you!), they’re just as tasty the next day!