Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon

*A flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that’s smoky, savory, and ready in 30 minutes!*

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped
8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 small head green cabbage, shredded (~6 cups)
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp butter
Salt & black pepper to taste
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Crisp the Bacon & Sausage

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in the pan.
Add sausage and sear until browned (~3 mins). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add onion and cook until soft (~3 mins).
Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cabbage

Add shredded cabbage and butter. Toss to coat in the bacon fat.
Cover and cook 10-12 mins, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

4. Add Shrimp & Finish

Push cabbage to the sides, add shrimp in a single layer, and cook 2-3 mins per side until pink.
Return bacon and sausage to the pan. Drizzle with vinegar, toss everything together, and season with salt & pepper.
Garnish with green onions.

Serving Suggestions

🍚 Over rice or creamy grits for a full meal.
🌶 Spice it up with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
🍞 With cornbread to soak up the juices.

Why This Works

🔥 Layers of flavor—smoky bacon, spicy sausage, and sweet shrimp.
⏱ Quick & easy for weeknight dinners.
💰 Budget-friendly (uses affordable cabbage as the base).

A Southern-style dish that’s hearty enough to stand alone!

Want a low-carb version (no rice) or vegetarian twist? Let me know! 😊