Shrimp, Sausage & Cabbage Skillet 🍤🥬🥓
📝 Description
This Shrimp, Sausage & Cabbage Skillet is a hearty, low-carb, flavor-packed dish that brings together smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and crispy bacon in a medley of caramelized cabbage and onions. Finished with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, it’s rustic comfort food made in one skillet with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa or andouille work well)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sear sausage: Add sliced sausage to the pan and sear until browned (3–4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook cabbage & onion: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and chopped cabbage. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown.
- Add garlic & seasoning: Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook shrimp: Push cabbage to one side of the skillet and add shrimp. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Combine and serve: Return sausage and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook another minute to heat through. Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve hot!
🍽️ Servings
- Serves: 3–4 people
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ to 2 cups
🔍 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 22–25g
- Carbohydrates: 6–8g
- Fat: 25–30g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: Moderate–High (adjust sausage/bacon accordingly)
- Net Carbs: 4–6g (great for keto/low-carb diets)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Low-carb & keto-friendly: High fat, moderate protein, and low net carbs.
- Rich in protein: Shrimp and sausage help support muscle and energy.
- Cruciferous vegetable boost: Cabbage is loaded with fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory: Garlic and onions offer immune-boosting compounds.
- Satiety & flavor: Healthy fats and bold spices make it filling and satisfying.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Use pre-cooked sausage: Smoked sausage is ideal; fully cooked, just sear to enhance flavor.
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini can be added for volume and color.
- Skip bacon for lighter version: Use olive oil or avocado oil for cooking instead.
- Make it spicy: Use andouille sausage or add cayenne/chili flakes.
- Meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! The flavors deepen as it sits. Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I substitute the sausage?
A: Yes—try turkey sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for variation.
Q: What pan should I use?
A: A large cast iron or stainless steel skillet works best for caramelization and even cooking.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: It’s already dairy-free as written—just avoid any cheese garnishes.