Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
Looking for a weeknight dinner that ticks every box: big flavor, easy prep, low-carb, and loaded with color? This Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a knockout main course that brings together juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender cabbage into one irresistibly savory skillet meal. Each bite is zippy and balanced, with fresh herbs and just the right hint of spice balancing the rich, cozy flavors. Whether you’re eating lighter or just craving a hearty bowl packed with protein, you’ll find yourself coming back to this Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is all in its simplicity! Each ingredient is chosen not only for its distinct flavor and color, but for how beautifully it complements the others. Use quality ingredients for the best taste, and don’t be afraid to play with spice levels.
- Olive oil: Gives the base a deep, fragrant start and helps everything cook up with a gorgeous gloss.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the show—choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Smoked sausage (sliced into rounds): Picks up a beautiful brown in the skillet and brings an irresistible smoky depth.
- Green cabbage (shredded): The backbone of the bowl, cabbage soaks up all the seasonings while adding both crunch and softness.
- Onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and savory undertones that blend perfectly with the sausage and shrimp.
- Garlic (minced): Sautéed garlic lifts the whole dish with a punchy aroma.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and vibrant color—try smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Amp up the heat as much or as little as you desire.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so don’t skip!
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash at the end brightens everything and pulls all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth or water: Adds moisture and helps the cabbage become deliciously tender as it cooks.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): The final touch for a pop of color and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat up your largest skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then add in the sausage rounds. Let them sizzle until beautifully brown on both sides—about 4 to 5 minutes. This step renders some fat and pumps smoky flavor into the whole Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl. Remove the sausage and set it aside; all those amazing brown bits left behind are flavor gold.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In the residual oil and sausage drippings, add your shrimp. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn plump, pink, and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery quick! Set them aside with the sausage for now.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Drop the sliced onions and minced garlic into the same skillet. Stir and sauté for about 3 minutes, enough for the onions to soften and the garlic to become aromatic. This sets the deeply savory base for your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage and Season
Add all the finely shredded cabbage, paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a kick), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything up; as the cabbage wilts, it will soak up all those delicious juices and spices. Let it cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until it starts to soften but still has a gentle bite.
Step 5: Add Liquid and Braise
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water). Cover up the skillet and let it all steam together for about 5 more minutes. The cabbage gets tender and all the flavors meld together into a comforting, delicious blend.
Step 6: Return Shrimp and Sausage
Now, tip the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Give everything a good toss so the proteins are nicely coated and mingled with the steamy cabbage. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes, just until everyone is cozy.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and shower everything generously with chopped fresh parsley. This final, fresh touch adds color and brightens every forkful. Time to dig in and enjoy your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl!
How to Serve Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic, but a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can really make the flavors pop. Thinly sliced scallions or a flurry of red pepper flakes are also delicious adornments for your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl.
Side Dishes
This bowl is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a buttery slice of crusty bread, a tangle of zoodles, or a light, fresh green salad. For extra comfort, try it over simple steamed rice or cauliflower rice to soak up those savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl in individual deep bowls for a cozy, weeknight vibe, or pile it onto a rustic platter for sharing. It’s just as appetizing in lettuce wraps for a crunchy, low-carb twist, or tucked into meal prep containers for easy workweek lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. It holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let everything cool completely first. Divide into portions and seal tightly in freezer-safe containers. The dish freezes for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that while the flavors stay delicious, the cabbage may lose some crispness after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. The microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things juicy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, toss pre-cooked shrimp in at the very end, just long enough to warm them through. This keeps them succulent and prevents overcooking.
Is it okay to swap in turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a fantastic lighter alternative and pairs beautifully with the sweet shrimp and cabbage. You can even experiment with spicy or herb-infused turkey sausages for a different spin.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage quickly?
For speed, use a food processor fitted with a shredding blade, or simply slice thin ribbons using a sharp chef’s knife. Pre-shredded cabbage from the produce section is a busy cook’s best friend in this recipe.
Can I make this Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the whole dish, then cool and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully and the flavors become even more developed after a rest. Just add garnishes right before serving to keep things fresh.
Is this dish spicy?
It only has as much heat as you want! The red pepper flakes are totally optional, and you can toss in more or less depending on your spice preference. You’re in complete control of the kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something soul-warming, quick, and packed with flavor, the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is the recipe to make this week! It’s fabulous for sharing, effortlessly adaptable, and certain to become a new favorite in your household. Grab your skillet and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal that is easy to make in one skillet. Packed with flavor from the smoked sausage, shrimp, and a mix of spices, it’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sausage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
For the Cabbage:
- 1 small head green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, then set aside. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, then set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add shredded cabbage, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage softens.
- Finish the Dish: Add apple cider vinegar and chicken broth, cover, and cook until cabbage is tender. Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet, toss to heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Pre-cooked shrimp can be used to reduce cooking time.
- For added flavor, consider stirring in hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
