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Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon

A savory one-pan dish that combines crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and smoky kielbasa with tender cabbage. This hearty meal delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Proteins
  • 5 slices bacon chopped
  • 10-12 shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • 1 link kielbasa or smoked sausage cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • Vegetables
  • 3 cups cabbage cut into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup yellow onions chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Fats & Liquids
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning such as Old Bay
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Shrimp
  2. In a small bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and seafood seasoning until well coated. Allow them to briefly marinate while you begin cooking the other ingredients. This quick marinade will ensure the shrimp absorb the flavors and stay moist during cooking.
  3. Cook the Bacon
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave all the flavorful bacon grease in the skillet as it will serve as the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
  5. Brown the Sausage
  6. Using the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage. Cook until nicely browned on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the bacon, preserving all the accumulated flavors in the pan.
  7. Cook the Shrimp
  8. Still using the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and curl into a "C" shape, indicating they're properly cooked. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp can quickly become tough. Remove the cooked shrimp and set aside with the bacon and sausage.
  9. Sauté the Aromatics
  10. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped yellow onions along with the paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown or burn.
  11. Add the Cabbage
  12. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Let them meld together briefly, then add the thinly sliced cabbage. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the cabbage in all the flavors, ensuring every strand gets evenly coated with the seasoned fats.
  13. Cook the Cabbage
  14. Continue cooking the cabbage for approximately 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to become tender but still maintain a slight bite - perfectly wilted but not mushy. The cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks and takes on a slight caramelization from the fats in the pan.
  15. Combine and Serve
  16. Once the cabbage is tender, add the reserved bacon, shrimp, and sausage back to the skillet. Gently fold everything together to combine all the components and warm through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving your delicious one-skillet meal hot.

Notes

  • For best results, slice the cabbage thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  • This dish is very adaptable - you can adjust the protein amounts or substitute with chicken if preferred.
  • Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.