The Shrimp Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a delicious, protein-packed, and nutrient-rich dish that brings together the sweetness of shrimp, the savory smokiness of sausage, and the earthy crunch of cabbage. It’s a quick and hearty meal that works for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping. In this article, we’ll walk through the recipe step-by-step, share tips for perfecting the dish, and explore variations to suit your taste preferences. With just one skillet, you can have a complete meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces (smoked, andouille, or your preferred variety)
4 cups cabbage, chopped into medium-sized pieces
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped. Peel and devein the shrimp, patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear better. Slice the sausage into even pieces so they cook evenly. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized chunks and dice the onion. Mince the garlic for a fragrant, flavorful base.
Step 2 – Sear the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become browned and slightly crispy. The rendered fat from the sausage will add extra flavor to the rest of the dish.
Step 3 – Add Onion and Garlic
Push the sausage to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion to the empty space. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4 – Add Cabbage and Shrimp
Stir in the chopped cabbage, coating it with the oil and sausage drippings. Allow it to cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften but still retains some crunch. At this point, add the shrimp on top of the cabbage, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper, and gently stir. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp are cooked through and the cabbage is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Sausage Cabbage Bowl
- Choose the right sausage: Smoked sausage or andouille adds a deep, savory flavor, but you can use chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually within 3–4 minutes. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Adjust spice levels: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning.
- Use fresh cabbage: Fresh, crisp cabbage adds the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cabbage if possible, as it tends to be drier.
Variations
- Keto-friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb, making it a great choice for keto diets.
- Add more vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra color and nutrients.
- Change the protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different twist.
- Asian-inspired version: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-style stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions
The Shrimp Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic bread, steamed rice, or quinoa. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a fresh green salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or use the microwave for convenience. If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the cabbage from drying out.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a rich, satisfying flavor profile. The smokiness of the sausage complements the mild sweetness of the shrimp, while the cabbage soaks up all the savory juices. It’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and is highly adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes — you can cook the sausage and cabbage up to 2 days ahead and store them separately from the shrimp. Reheat the sausage+cabbage and add quickly cooked shrimp just before serving to keep the shrimp tender. If you prefer, assemble the full dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but expect the shrimp and cabbage to soften a bit on reheating.
- How long do leftovers keep? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes — thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking so they sear instead of steaming. If they’re still slightly icy, reduce the shrimp cooking time and watch closely.
- Can I make this spicy? Absolutely — add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a pinch of Cajun seasoning when you add the paprika. You can also use a spicy sausage (andouille or chorizo) to increase the heat.
- What sausage works best? Smoked sausage or andouille gives bold flavor; mild smoked kielbasa or chicken sausage are good if you want something milder. Choose a quality sausage without excessive fillers for best taste.
- Is this recipe low-carb or keto friendly? Yes — the core recipe (shrimp, sausage, cabbage, aromatics) is low in carbs and works well for keto. Skip starchy sides and serve over cauliflower rice if desired.
- How can I reheat without drying out the shrimp? Reheat the sausage+cabbage in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, then add the shrimp at the end and warm for 1–2 minutes just until pink. This prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes — bell peppers, carrots, snap peas or zucchini can be added when you cook the cabbage; add firmer veggies earlier and quick-cooking ones (like peas) near the end.
Conclusion
The Shrimp Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a fast, flexible one-pan meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s easy to adapt — swap proteins, dial the spice up or down, and add whatever vegetables you have on hand — and it stores and reheats well for meal prep. Try serving it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice depending on your hunger and goals. If you enjoyed this recipe and want more one-pan dinners and easy weeknight ideas, visit our website for full recipes, variations, and more delicious inspiration.