Description: This hearty and flavorful Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon recipe is a delightful one-pan meal that combines the subtle sweetness of cabbage with the savory goodness of smoked sausage, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp. It’s an easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a true culinary delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large size works best)
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite variety)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are also suitable)
- Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (for brightness)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal prep time. Here’s how to prepare the ingredients before cooking:
- Cabbage: Remove any outer, wilted leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and then slice each quarter into thin strips or chop it into bite-sized pieces. The finer the chop, the quicker it will cook.
- Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely in the skillet. Remove the shells, heads, and tails (if necessary), and devein them.
- Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. This allows the sausage to brown evenly and release its flavorful oils into the dish.
- Bacon: Chop the bacon into small pieces. This will ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Onion and Garlic: Chop the onion into small dice and mince the garlic. These aromatics form the base of the dish’s flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon: Place a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works well) over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Remove Bacon and Cook Sausage: Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet (drain off any excess). Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. This should take about 4-6 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat (add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed), add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine it with the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and wilt down, about 5-7 minutes. If the skillet seems dry, add another tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season the Cabbage: Season the cabbage with paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 5-10 minutes more.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp: Push the cabbage to one side of the skillet and add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the skillet with the cabbage and shrimp. Stir everything together to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, paprika, or cayenne pepper to your liking. For a touch of brightness, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar just before serving.
Step 9: Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory bacon, smoky sausage, and delicate shrimp creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy One-Pan Meal: This recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Nutritious and Filling: Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of protein-rich shrimp, sausage, and bacon makes this a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Use different types of sausage, add other vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, and this recipe uses simple ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Nutritional Value: 4/5 (Good)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Add a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- For a low-carb option, serve on its own or with a side of cauliflower rice.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, cook the ingredients in batches to ensure they brown properly. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than fried ingredients.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish. Choose high-quality bacon, sausage, and shrimp for the best results.
- Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, omit the cayenne pepper or use a smaller amount. If you like it hot, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery and tough.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Add them along with the cabbage and cook until tender-crisp.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon, sausage, and shrimp. Add some smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on the sodium content of the bacon and sausage)
Conclusion:
Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
A: While fresh cabbage is preferable for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. Thaw the cabbage completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Keep in mind that frozen cabbage may be softer and release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
A: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so you can use any type of smoked sausage that you enjoy. Kielbasa, andouille, chorizo, or even a mild Italian sausage would all work well. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for when making your selection. Kielbasa offers a classic smoky flavor, while andouille adds a spicy kick.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, but keep in mind that the texture of the cabbage may soften slightly upon reheating. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Q4: Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
A: Absolutely! Here are a few tips for making this recipe healthier:
- Use turkey bacon or chicken sausage instead of pork bacon and sausage.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking.
- Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of bread.
- Use low-sodium bacon and sausage to reduce the sodium content.
Q5: Can I add other spices to this recipe?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of this dish. Some other spices that would pair well include garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, or smoked paprika. Add the spices along with the paprika and cayenne pepper in Step 5 of the instructions.
