Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Smoked Sausage (One-Pan Cajun Style)

Introduction

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Smoked Sausage is a flavorful, hearty, and quick one-pan meal packed with bold Cajun seasoning, tender shrimp, savory sausage, and perfectly sautéed cabbage. It’s smoky, slightly buttery, and deeply satisfying — great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or low-carb meals. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the dish:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the sausage

In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil.
Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
Remove and set aside.

Step 2 — Sear the shrimp

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil or butter.
Add shrimp, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
Remove shrimp and set aside with sausage.

Step 3 — Sauté vegetables

Add onion and bell pepper to the pan. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4 — Add cabbage

Add chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir well.
Season with paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in chicken broth if using. Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Step 5 — Combine everything

Return sausage and shrimp to the pan.
Add lemon juice and toss gently.
Cook 2 more minutes to heat through.

Step 6 — Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Use smoked kielbasa or Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they become rubbery.
• Add a splash of butter at the end for richness.
• For extra spice, add ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
• For a smoky kick, use smoked paprika instead of regular.

Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Friendly)

1. Can I make this without shrimp?
Yes! Use only sausage or replace shrimp with chicken.

2. Is this a low-carb recipe?
Yes — cabbage is low-carb and keto-friendly.

3. Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Cook bacon first, then use the drippings to cook everything else.

4. What can I serve with this?
Serve with rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — just use olive oil instead of butter.

6. Is this spicy?
Mild by default, but you can increase heat with cayenne or hot sauce.