Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Shrimp

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Shrimp

This Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a hearty, one-skillet meal that combines crispy bacon, smoked sausage, and tender shrimp with perfectly cooked cabbage. It’s a comforting dish that brings together classic Southern flavors in a simple, satisfying way that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2. Add sausage to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add butter and onion to the pan, cook for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika. Stir well and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
6. Return bacon and sausage to the skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

Practical Tips

Tip 1: For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce in the last step to enhance the savory profile of this dish.

Tip 2: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the bacon and sausage. If needed, work in batches to ensure everything browns properly rather than steaming.

Tip 3: Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This one-skillet meal comes together quickly, so having everything chopped and ready makes the process much smoother.

How to Store It

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. This dish does not freeze well due to the shrimp texture.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the skillet to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess moisture.

What can I serve this with? This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs nicely with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Can I substitute the sausage? Absolutely. You can use andouille sausage for a spicier kick, or replace it with diced ham or additional bacon if you prefer a lighter protein option.