A southern-style skillet favorite that’s smoky, hearty, and irresistibly delicious! If you’re craving a one-pan meal that’s bold, rich, and bursting with flavor, this Savory Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon is the perfect comfort dish. It combines crisp-tender cabbage with smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and juicy shrimp — all seasoned with a blend of spices that bring out the best of each ingredient. It’s easy, filling, and comes together beautifully in under 40 minutes. This dish hits all the right notes: the cabbage adds sweetness, the shrimp brings freshness, and the sausage and bacon deliver that irresistible smoky, savory kick. Every bite is layered with depth and texture — a true Southern classic made simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥓 Loaded with Flavor: Bacon, sausage, and shrimp come together for a mouthwatering mix of smoky and savory.
- 🥬 Wholesome & Satisfying: Cabbage adds a hearty vegetable base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- 🍳 One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
- 🌶️ Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level with crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 10–12 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 kielbasa or smoked sausage link, cut into ½-inch slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the rest.
2️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavorful bacon fat in the pan.
3️⃣ Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices to the same skillet and sear them until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
4️⃣ Sear the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until pink and curled into a “C” shape. Remove and set aside.
5️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add chopped onion, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until the onions soften and begin to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6️⃣ Add the Cabbage
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and pour in the apple cider vinegar. Add the sliced cabbage, stirring to coat well with butter and seasonings.
Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender and lightly browned.
7️⃣ Combine and Serve
Add the cooked bacon, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes so all the flavors meld.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy that savory Southern goodness!
Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms go great in this dish.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or heavy cream for a richer finish.
- Spice it up: Add Cajun seasoning or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Serve it with: Cornbread, mashed potatoes, or over rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.