Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Welcome to a culinary symphony of flavors – Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon! This recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky bacon, savory sausage, succulent shrimp, and tender cabbage, all coming together in a single skillet to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The caramelization of these ingredients produces a medley of tastes and textures that will have your taste buds singing with every bite.

Picture this: the enticing aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan, the shrimp turning pink and plump, the sausage releasing its rich smokiness, all mingling with the sweet cabbage and a melody of spices. This skillet meal is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends clamoring for seconds. It’s no wonder that this dish has become a staple in many households, eliciting stories and memories with every serving.

Whether you’re reminiscing about your grandmother’s fried cabbage or introducing a coastal Cajun twist with shrimp and sausage, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and soul. So, grab your skillet and prepare to create a meal that will become a cherished favorite in your home. Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon – a dish that embodies tradition, comfort, and a whole lot of flavor in every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Savory, Smoky Flavor: Kielbasa or smoked sausage infuse the dish with a rich, smoky taste that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Freshness and Texture: The use of fresh shrimp adds a delightful texture and taste to the dish, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable meal experience.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Cooking over medium heat and stirring often ensures the cabbage is cooked to perfection while keeping a crunchy texture, making this recipe a simple and efficient weeknight meal option.
• Customizable Heat Level: The dish offers a mild heat from crushed red pepper and smoked paprika, allowing you to adjust the spiciness according to personal preference.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon Recipe

• Satisfying Weeknight Meal: This recipe combines shrimp, sausage, and bacon with caramelized cabbage for a hearty and satisfying skillet meal that caters to all cravings.
• Quick Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is a hit among family members, disappearing quickly and leaving everyone asking for seconds.
• Nostalgic Comfort: The smell of fried cabbage brings back nostalgic memories, making it a perfect comfort food reminiscent of family traditions and childhood meals.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe can be adapted by using different types of sausage, swapping bacon for turkey bacon, or omitting shrimp to cater to dietary preferences or allergies.
• Easy to Reheat: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
• Southern and Cajun Fusion: Combining the southern classic of fried cabbage with coastal Cajun flavors, this dish offers a unique twist that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
• Complete Meal or Side Dish: Enjoy this dish on its own for a hearty meal, or pair it with rice, cornbread, or potatoes for a more filling spread that is sure to satisfy.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of smoky sausage, savory bacon, and fresh shrimp, along with spices like paprika and red pepper flakes, creates a well-balanced and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Pork

• 5 slices bacon, chopped

Seafood

• 12 medium shrimp, tail removed and deveined

Sausage

• 1 link (approximately 125 g) kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1.25 cm rounds

Vegetables

• 3 cups (approximately 210 g) green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 cup (60 g) yellow onion, chopped

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Fats & Oils

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Acid

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Pro Tips for Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

For the best flavor, use kielbasa or smoked sausage in this dish as they add a delicious smoky taste to the skillet. Fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor, but you can use pre-cooked shrimp if needed, just add them at the end to heat through. When cooking the cabbage, stir often and avoid overcooking to maintain a tender yet slightly crunchy texture.

Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika according to your taste preferences. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap traditional bacon for turkey bacon, or omit it entirely. This skillet meal can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with steamed rice, cornbread, or crusty bread to make it a more substantial meal.

How to Make Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning in a bowl, and let it marinate.

Step 2: Render Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove bacon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Sausage

Place sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage in the bacon fat, sear until browned on both sides, then transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and curled. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a skillet, then add onions, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until onions soften. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 6: Deglaze and Wilt Cabbage

Add apple cider vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Stir to deglaze, then mix in the shredded cabbage, ensuring it is evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 7: Cook Cabbage

Cook the cabbage mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for approximately 12 minutes or until tender.

Step 8: Combine and Finish

Add back the reserved bacon, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After preparing the fried cabbage with shrimp, sausage, and bacon, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to the container to maintain freshness. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to help restore the crispiness of the ingredients. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish gently if you are short on time. It is not recommended to freeze the leftovers as the cabbage may lose its texture and become mushy.

For a lighter version of this dish, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. Additionally, you can swap out the kielbasa or smoked sausage for any quality cooked sausage to adjust the savory notes. If someone has a shellfish allergy, omit the shrimp or substitute it with cooked chicken breast. To serve a larger group, spoon the fried cabbage mixture over steamed rice or creamy grits. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with sides like cornbread or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Feel free to add a drizzle of hot sauce at the table to enhance the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have kielbasa or smoked sausage on hand, you can substitute it with any high-quality cooked sausage to maintain the savory notes in the dish. Additionally, for a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon in place of traditional bacon. This swap will reduce the richness while still providing a flavorful element to the fried cabbage skillet.

In case someone in your household has a shellfish allergy or you prefer a different protein, you can replace the shrimp with cooked chicken breast cut into chunks. This substitution will still offer a satisfying protein component to the dish. Furthermore, if you prefer a milder heat level, you can adjust or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to suit your taste preferences. These modifications allow you to customize the dish to your liking while still enjoying a delicious and hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping the fried cabbage shrimp sausage bacon on a bed of creamy grits. The creamy texture of the grits complements the savory and smoky flavors of the dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Another idea is to serve it with a side of roasted potatoes. The crispy exterior of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the caramelized cabbage and bacon, adding a delightful contrast in textures to every bite.

FAQs for Delicious Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of fresh shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add it at the end to heat through and prevent overcooking.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

Spiciness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to suit your taste preferences.

Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version of the dish. Traditional bacon adds rich depth and flavor, but feel free to make the swap according to your dietary preferences.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers of this fried cabbage skillet?

To reheat leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispness or microwave gently if you are in a rush. Avoid freezing as the cabbage may lose texture and become mushy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon recipe is a true winner that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. It’s a dish that has the power to evoke memories, create new ones, and bring loved ones together around the dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures in this skillet meal is truly irresistible, making it a go-to option for cozy nights in or special gatherings with friends and family.

Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by experimenting with different proteins or variations to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, the Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon skillet is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly with joy. Cheers to good food and good company, all centered around the delightful flavors of Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon!