Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining savory flavors that dance together beautifully. I remember the first time I made it—I was experimenting in my kitchen, and the smell of bacon sizzling filled the air. I couldn’t wait to dig in! The crispy bacon, juicy shrimp, and tender cabbage all come together to create a flavor explosion that’s just irresistible.
This dish has deep roots in Southern cooking, where hearty ingredients are the stars of the show. It’s not just delicious; it’s also quick to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. So let’s dive into making this delightful dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon. I promise, it’s quite simple and uses ingredients you can easily find!
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—this will help everything come together smoothly and keep your kitchen chaos to a minimum! Trust me; you’ll want to savor every bite of this delicious dish!
How to Prepare Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Sausage Bacon
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this incredible dish! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate full of deliciousness in no time. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Preheating the skillet is super important because it helps everything cook evenly and gives your bacon that perfect crispy texture. You don’t want to rush this part; let the oil get nice and hot before adding anything else!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Now, toss in the chopped bacon. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell of bacon sizzling is heavenly! Just keep an eye on it—you want crispy, not burnt! Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and let it drain on some paper towels. We’re going to keep that delicious bacon fat for flavor, so don’t wipe out the skillet!
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Next up, add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step is key because browning the sausage enhances its flavor and gives your dish that wonderful depth. Just stir it around, and let those tasty bits form on the bottom of the pan—they’re going to add so much goodness!
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Now, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. This is where the magic happens—the aroma will fill your kitchen! You want the garlic to be fragrant, but make sure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Stir it around and enjoy the smell!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Time to add the shrimp! Stir them in and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re perfectly cooked when they curl up a bit. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become rubbery if left too long! Trust me, perfectly cooked shrimp is the star of this dish.
Step 6: Add the Cabbage
Now it’s cabbage time! Stir in the chopped cabbage and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it wilts down. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure everything gets coated in those lovely flavors. You want it tender but still with a slight crunch—nobody likes mushy cabbage!
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and see if it needs any extra seasoning—everyone’s palate is different! Serve this dish hot, and feel free to sprinkle some extra bacon on top for a gorgeous presentation! Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- A comforting blend of smoky bacon, savory sausage, and succulent shrimp.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Low fat yet packed with flavor, making it a healthier choice.
- Versatile—feel free to toss in any veggies you love!
- Easy cleanup, thanks to everything cooking in one skillet.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Tips for Success
To make sure your fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours!
- Don’t rush the cooking: Each ingredient needs its time to shine! Allow the bacon to get crispy and the veggies to soften properly for maximum flavor.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming.
- Mind the cabbage: When adding the chopped cabbage, make sure to stir it well so it gets coated in all that delicious bacon fat. This will elevate the flavor dramatically!
- Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be shy about adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Mix it up: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or even some spices! Bell peppers, carrots, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice twist.
- Let leftovers shine: If you have leftovers, try them in a breakfast scramble the next morning! Just reheat and toss with some eggs for a delicious start to your day.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this incredible dish. Cooking should be fun, so don’t stress—just enjoy the process and the delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this delightful fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon! Keep in mind that these are just estimates, but they should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
This dish is not only delicious but also a hearty option that fits well into a low-fat diet. It’s packed with protein from the shrimp and sausage, making it a satisfying meal! Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the bacon?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option or need to avoid pork, you can use turkey bacon or even pancetta for a different flavor profile. If you want to go completely meat-free, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give that rich, smoky flavor without the bacon. Trust me, the dish will still be delicious!
What other vegetables can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can toss in bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. If you love greens, a handful of spinach or kale added towards the end works beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything cooks evenly. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, or you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. It tastes just as good the next day, if not better!
Call to Action
Alright, my friend! If you’ve enjoyed making this fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Did you add your own twist? What did you think of the flavors? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps other home cooks find this recipe too!
Don’t forget to rate the recipe below! And if you snapped any photos of your delicious creation, share them on social media. Tag me, and let’s spread the love for this comforting dish! Cooking is all about sharing joy, so let’s inspire each other to whip up more tasty meals together!
For more delicious recipes, check out uses for extra cabbage and stuffed cabbage rolls!
Print
Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Sausage Bacon: 7 Irresistible Flavors
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory dish combining fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add bacon and cook until crispy.
- Stir in sausage and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in chopped cabbage, cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: fried cabbage, shrimp, sausage, bacon
