Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon

This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is one of those skillet meals that smells incredible from the second it starts cooking.

The bacon and sausage create a smoky, savory base that flavors the entire pan, while the shrimp cooks quickly and soaks up all the Cajun seasoning. Once the cabbage hits the skillet, it softens down and caramelizes slightly, pulling in every bit of flavor left behind.

By the end, everything comes together into a buttery, smoky, slightly spicy dish that’s loaded with texture and bold flavor in every bite.

It’s hearty enough to eat on its own, simple enough for a weeknight dinner, and packed with Southern-style comfort food flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with smoky Cajun flavor.
  • One skillet meal with easy cleanup.
  • Packed with shrimp, sausage, and bacon.
  • Perfect low-carb comfort food option.
  • Rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

This recipe combines shrimp, smoked sausage, bacon, and cabbage into one flavorful skillet meal. The bacon and sausage add smoky richness, while the cabbage softens and caramelizes as it cooks in the pan.

The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a bold kick, and the butter ties everything together with a rich finish. Cooking everything in the same skillet builds layers of flavor throughout the dish.
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz bacon, chopped
  • 1 smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Onion powder, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Cajun seasoning, to taste

How To Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, & Bacon

Step 1: Season Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Season with avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Toss until well coated.

Step 2: Cook Bacon and Sausage

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until about halfway done, then add the sliced sausage and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the bacon is crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the bacon and sausage.

Step 4: Cook Cabbage

Add the butter to the skillet along with the chopped cabbage. Cook down, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize.

Step 5: Season Cabbage

Season the cabbage with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once the cabbage is cooked down, add the bacon, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet. Mix everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

  • You can swap the shrimp for diced chicken if you want a different protein option. Chicken thighs work especially well because they stay juicy and soak up all the Cajun flavor from the skillet.
  • Adding diced bell peppers gives the dish extra color and sweetness while also adding more texture. Red and green peppers pair especially well with the smoky sausage and cabbage.
  • For extra spice, use andouille sausage instead of kielbasa and add additional Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. This creates a much bolder Southern-style flavor profile.
  • You can mix in sliced jalapeños or hot sauce if you enjoy spicy food. The heat balances really well with the buttery cabbage and smoky bacon.
  • Top the finished skillet with sliced green onions or fresh parsley for extra freshness and color. It helps brighten the rich flavors and makes the dish look even better when serving.

Tips for Success

  • Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning for better texture.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery.
  • Cook the cabbage until lightly caramelized for the best flavor.
  • Use andouille sausage for extra spice and smokiness.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve immediately while everything is hot and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp cook properly and prevents the skillet from becoming watery. Large shrimp tend to work best because they stay juicy and tender.

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage adds the most Cajun flavor and spice, but kielbasa or any smoked sausage works great as well. The key is using a sausage with good smoky flavor because it helps season the cabbage while everything cooks together in the skillet.

Can I make this recipe low carb?

This recipe is naturally very low in carbs because cabbage replaces heavier starches like rice or potatoes. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a hearty meal that still feels filling without being overly heavy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this reheats very well and the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is filling enough to eat on its own, but it also pairs really well with cornbread, rice, or roasted vegetables. If you want extra heat, serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon

No ratings yet
A smoky Cajun skillet meal loaded with cabbage, shrimp, sausage, and crispy bacon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 12 oz bacon
  • 1 smoked sausage
  • 1 head cabbage
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • paprika
  • Cajun seasoning

Method
 

  1. Season shrimp with oil and spices.
  2. Cook bacon and sausage until browned.
  3. Cook shrimp until pink and set aside.
  4. Cook cabbage in butter until softened.
  5. Season cabbage to taste.
  6. Add shrimp, sausage, and bacon back into skillet.
  7. Serve hot.

Video

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Share The Recipe

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Hey, I'm Scotty

What started as just messing around in the kitchen and posting recipes online quickly turned into something way bigger than I ever expected. At first, it was just a side hustle—sharing simple, easy meals that anyone could make without overthinking it.

Popular Recipes

Recent Recipes