Fried Cabbage Shrimp Sausage Bacon

This savory skillet dish combines shrimp, sausage, bacon, and tender cabbage in a seasoned sauce that brings comfort and bold flavor to your table. It balances rich proteins with crisp vegetables for a satisfying low-carb meal.

I first cooked this on a chilly evening and loved how the hearty ingredients melded beautifully in one pan. It quickly became a go-to when I wanted something filling but simple.

Ingredients

• Bacon: chopped for crisp smoky bites choose thick-cut for best texture
• Shrimp: peeled and deveined for ease and clean flavor opt for fresh or high-quality frozen
• Kielbasa or smoked sausage: sliced to add savory depth and a smoky punch
• Cabbage: thinly sliced to cook down tender but retain a little crunch
• Yellow onions: chopped to provide sweetness and body to the dish
• Garlic: minced for aromatic warmth
• Olive oil: used for marinating shrimp and cooking to add a mild fruity note
• Butter: divided to enrich the sauté and cabbage cooking steps
• Apple cider vinegar: adds a bright tang balancing richness
• Seafood seasoning: brings a complex blend ideal for shrimp
• Smoked paprika: contributes earthy warmth
• Black pepper: freshly ground to enhance flavor
• Salt: for seasoning balance
• Dried oregano: for herbal undertones
• Crushed red pepper flakes: to add gentle heat as preferred

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate Shrimp:

Coat the peeled shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning in a bowl. Let them rest so the flavors infuse. This step ensures the shrimp have a well-rounded taste before cooking.

Cook Bacon:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it turns crispy. Remove it onto paper towels to drain excess fat but keep the rendered fat in the skillet for the next steps to carry that smoky flavor forward.

Brown Sausage:

Add the kielbasa or smoked sausage slices to the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until nicely browned. This caramelization adds savory richness. Remove and set aside.

Cook Shrimp:

Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the same skillet. Cook about 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up. This quick cooking preserves their tenderness. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Onions and Spices:

Add one tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onions with smoked paprika oregano salt black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for about 5 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.

Cook Cabbage:

Add the remaining butter and apple cider vinegar. Toss in the sliced cabbage stirring to coat it evenly. Cook for about 12 minutes stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp for texture contrast.

Combine and Heat Through:

Return the bacon sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything to combine and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving immediately.

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I love how the crispness of the cabbage complements the smoky bacon and spicy sausage. It reminds me of family dinners where everyone enjoyed the mix of textures and flavors

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture without overcooking the shrimp or cabbage.

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey bacon or plant-based sausage can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version but omit shrimp if going fully vegetarian. White vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar though the flavor will be less nuanced. Fresh paprika can be swapped with sweet or hot paprika depending on your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes pairs well to soak up the flavorful juices. A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving can brighten the whole dish.

Cultural Context

This skillet meal blends Southern comfort flavors with a nod to seafood seasoning popular in coastal cuisines. It reflects a practical one-pan approach common in home cooking where bold flavors and minimal cleanup are priorities.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, kielbasa or smoked sausage are preferred, but you can substitute with any smoked or cooked sausage for similar flavor and texture.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 3 minutes per side until pink and curled, then remove promptly to avoid toughness.

→ What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or lemon juice can substitute apple cider vinegar to add acidity and brighten the dish.

→ Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, with cabbage as the main vegetable and proteins like shrimp, bacon, and sausage, this skillet meal is low in carbs and rich in flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to preserve texture, especially of the bacon and shrimp.