FRIED CABBAGE WITH SHRIMP, SAUSAGE & BACON RECIPE:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add it to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor.

2. Cook the Sausage

In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and crispy. This will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.

Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the olive oil (or butter) and onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and bell pepper (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

4. Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir the cabbage occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes, until it begins to soften. If you’d like your cabbage to have a little more color, let it brown slightly in the pan before adding any liquid.

5. Add the Shrimp and Liquids

Now, add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring them in with the cabbage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. If the cabbage looks too dry or is sticking to the pan, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth to create some steam and help soften the cabbage further. You can also add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at this point, which will brighten the flavors and add a slight tang.

6. Combine the Ingredients

Once the shrimp are cooked through, and the cabbage is tender but still has a little crunch, add the cooked bacon and sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything to combine and let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot, either on its own or with a side of your favorite bread or rice.

Why This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon Recipe is So Great

1. Smoky & Savory: The bacon and sausage add a deep, savory flavor to the cabbage, while the shrimp brings a hint of sweetness and lightness. The combination of these proteins makes the dish rich and satisfying.
2. Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Healthy Comfort Food: The dish is full of protein and fiber from the cabbage, with the healthy fats from the bacon and olive oil to keep you full longer. It’s a great low-carb meal for anyone on a keto or paleo diet.
4. Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms, or swap the shrimp for chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
5. One-Pan Wonder: This dish is made in a single skillet, which means less cleanup! The flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks together, and the result is a deliciously hearty meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to clean up.

Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon

1. Use a Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Since this dish has a lot of ingredients, be sure to use a large skillet or Dutch oven to give the cabbage plenty of room to cook down without overcrowding.
2. Adjust the Heat Level: If you like things spicy, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dish to bring up the heat. For a milder version, skip the cayenne and use just the paprika.
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—just 3-4 minutes on each side is all they need. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so be sure to keep an eye on them as they cook.
4. Substitute Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
5. Add a Splash of Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar helps balance the richness of the bacon and sausage. If you don’t have it, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as alternatives for a tangy finish.

Conclusion

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and comfort. The combination of smoky bacon, savory sausage, juicy shrimp, and tender cabbage makes for a well-rounded meal that is both hearty and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress your guests, this recipe fits the bill.

With its bold flavors, versatility, and easy prep, this dish is a keeper. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a great addition to your recipe collection!