Indulge in a hearty, savory dish that’s brimming with flavor—Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon. This one-pan meal combines the smokiness of bacon, the rich taste of sausage, and the delicate sweetness of shrimp, all perfectly balanced with tender strips of cabbage. Infused with spices and a hint of apple cider vinegar, this dish is a celebration of comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 5 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 3 cups of cabbage, shredded into thin strips
- 10-12 shrimp, tails off & deveined
- 1 link kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp, taking about 5-7 minutes.
- Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onions and Sausage:
- Add the chopped yellow onions to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until they become translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage to the onions.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on the edges.
3. Add the Cabbage:
- Push the sausage and onions to the side of the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space.
- Stir well to combine with the sausage and onions.
- Season the cabbage mixture with seafood seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and the minced garlic.
- Toss everything together to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is soft and has a golden-brown hue.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
- Push the cabbage mixture to the side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the empty space.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.
- Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. Combine and Finish:
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet.
- Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar, allowing the butter to melt and the vinegar to coat the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon hot, straight from the skillet. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Conclusion:
This Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage, and Bacon is a delightful fusion of rich, smoky, and savory flavors, all brought together in a single skillet. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy sausage, and tender shrimp with perfectly seasoned cabbage creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe offers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes that make this dish a standout meal!