Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Sausage & Bacon

Instructions: How to Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by placing a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s crispy and browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and the bacon will release delicious fat that you’ll use to cook the rest of the ingredients.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, and the rendered fat will help cook the sausage and shrimp to perfection.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and crispy on the edges. This should take about 5-6 minutes. The sausage will absorb some of the bacon’s smoky flavor, making it even more delicious.

Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon. You’ll add them back later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Now, in the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil if there’s not enough fat left in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step brings out the sweet and savory flavors, forming a perfect base for the cabbage.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and let the cabbage cook down. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes here. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and wilts.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Once the cabbage has cooked down, pour in the chicken broth to help steam the cabbage and soften it further. Stir to incorporate, and let it simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Cook Through

Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if left too long on the heat.

Step 7: Return the Bacon and Sausage to the Pan

Once the shrimp is cooked through, add the crispy bacon and browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and let the dish come together.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, cornbread, or even mashed potatoes.

Tips for Customizing Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can tweak it to fit your personal tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, you can swap out the sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives, like vegan sausage or tempeh. Instead of shrimp, you could use tofu or even more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Different Sausages: Try different types of sausage to change the flavor profile. Andouille sausage will give the dish a nice smoky, spicy kick, while kielbasa or Italian sausage will provide a milder, savory flavor.
• Add More Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables, consider throwing in bell peppers, carrots, or even a few tomatoes. These veggies will add both color and extra nutrition to the dish.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, amp up the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic for an extra punch of spice.
• Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier version, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. This will create a luscious sauce that coats the cabbage and shrimp.

Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon

• Savory & Flavorful: This dish packs a punch with the combination of smoky bacon, spicy sausage, and juicy shrimp. The cabbage acts as the perfect vehicle for all these bold flavors.
• One-Pan Meal: You’ll love how easy it is to make. With just one skillet, you can prepare a delicious, filling meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is hearty enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to keep you from feeling overly stuffed. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and healthy.
• Customizable: You can make this dish your own by adjusting the seasonings, proteins, and veggies to fit your preferences, making it easy to adapt to different tastes or dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

While Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon is a meal in itself, you can easily pair it with a few sides to complete the dish:

• Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Serve it with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, satisfying meal.
• Cornbread: A slice of homemade or store-bought cornbread will complement the savory flavors perfectly.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the main dish.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal You’ll Love

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon is the ultimate comfort dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table. The smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, and savory sausage meld beautifully with the tender cabbage, creating a hearty, satisfying meal in just one pan. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is a winner.

Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this irresistible dish!