Southern cuisine is all about bold flavors and comforting dishes, and this Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is no exception. Packed with smoky bacon, savory sausage, and Cajun-spiced shrimp, this dish turns simple cabbage into a flavorful masterpiece. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, low-carb, and keto-friendly—perfect for a hearty dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Each ingredient brings something special: bacon adds smokiness, sausage provides richness, and shrimp introduces a zesty Cajun kick. The cabbage absorbs all these flavors, making it the perfect base for this dish.
How to Make It
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown the sausage in the same skillet for about 4-5 minutes until caramelized. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, then cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the cabbage in the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Combine everything back in the skillet—bacon, sausage, and shrimp. Toss together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations & Customization
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cajun Twist: Swap smoked sausage for Andouille sausage to intensify the flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meats with smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with rice, quinoa, or cornbread if you’re not following a low-carb diet.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding, which can make the cabbage soggy.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp—remove them as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- For extra flavor, try a homemade Cajun seasoning blend instead of just smoked paprika.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent mushy cabbage.
- If freezing, remove the shrimp before storing, as they can become rubbery when reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that showcases the best of Southern comfort food. The combination of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s adaptable to different tastes and diets. Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite go-to meal!