The Ultimate Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Recipe: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Make Dish for Every Occasion!

If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week, then you’re in for a real treat. Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s going to have you licking your lips and begging for seconds: Fried Cabbage with Shrimp. Now, don’t let the name fool ya—this ain’t your grandma’s cabbage. We’re talking about a savory, slightly spicy, perfectly seasoned skillet of tender cabbage paired with juicy, succulent shrimp that’ll have your taste buds dancing like they’re at a cookout on a summer day!

This dish is all about layers of flavor, a little bit of crunch, and a whole lotta yum. It’s the kind of meal that makes your family and friends ask, “Who made this?!”

Fried Cabbage with Shrimp is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, easy on the budget, and loaded with healthy ingredients. You get that delicious umami flavor from the shrimp, a hint of sweetness from the cabbage, and a kick of heat from some good ol’ Cajun spices. Plus, it’s versatile! This dish can stand alone or pair up with just about anything to make a full meal.

Not to mention, it’s a great way to get some greens in your diet without feeling like you’re eating rabbit food. You’re getting all the benefits of cabbage—fiber, vitamins C and K, antioxidants—with the added bonus of lean protein from the shrimp. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate that it all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering dish:

For the Fried Cabbage with Shrimp:

• 1 large head of green cabbage, shredded or chopped
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For Optional Add-Ons:

• 1 cup andouille sausage, sliced (for extra smoky flavor)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for a touch of acidity)
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (if you want that classic seafood flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Fried Cabbage with Shrimp

Now, let’s break this down step-by-step so you can get the perfect Fried Cabbage with Shrimp every single time!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into thin slices or shreds. Dice the onion, slice the bell peppers, mince the garlic, and set everything aside. Peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. This will allow the seasoning to seep into the shrimp and get all that flavor locked in!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Grab your favorite large skillet or cast-iron pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s crispy and all the fat has rendered out, about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. That’s flavor, y’all!

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté them for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook them, or they’ll turn rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Now, add the olive oil (or butter) to the skillet with the leftover bacon fat. Toss in the onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the bell peppers and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften, and you can smell that garlic cookin’—that’s the good stuff right there!

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the onions, peppers, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well to ensure the cabbage is coated with all those beautiful spices. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite to it. We’re going for a texture that’s tender but not mushy!

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked shrimp and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Drizzle with the apple cider vinegar and toss everything together. Allow the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze that lemon juice over the top right before eating for a burst of freshness that takes this dish to the next level!

Expert Tips and Tricks

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Give them space to cook evenly, so they get that perfect sear.
2. Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your pan is hot when you start cooking the shrimp to get a good sear and lock in those juices.
3. Season in Layers: Season each component (shrimp, veggies, cabbage) as you cook. This will build depth of flavor in your final dish.
4. Control the Heat: Cabbage cooks down quickly, so keep an eye on it. If it starts to brown too fast, reduce the heat.
5. Play with Spices: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more Cajun spice for a bit more kick or smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
6. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.
7. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a minute or two before serving. This helps all the flavors come together nicely.
8. Pair It Right: Serve this with a side that complements its flavors, like cornbread or garlic mashed potatoes.

15 Variations to Try

1. Cabbage and Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
2. Creamy Cabbage and Shrimp: Finish with a splash of heavy cream for a richer dish.
3. Spicy Cabbage and Shrimp: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Cabbage: Replace Cajun seasoning with lemon zest and extra garlic.
5. Curry Shrimp and Cabbage: Add a teaspoon of curry powder and coconut milk for a Caribbean flair.
6. Mediterranean Style: Toss in cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
7. Shrimp and Cabbage Alfredo: Add a spoonful of Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
8. Thai-Inspired: Use fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chili paste.
9. Cajun Sausage and Shrimp: Add sliced andouille sausage for more smokiness.
10. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw: Use the cabbage as a taco filling, and top with shrimp.
11. Shrimp and Cabbage Jambalaya: Add rice and chicken broth to make it a one-pot meal.
12. Grilled Shrimp and Cabbage Salad: Grill the shrimp and serve over fresh cabbage slaw.
13. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cabbage: Use a garlic butter sauce instead of olive oil.
14. Shrimp and Cabbage Soup: Turn it into a light soup by adding broth.
15. Pesto Shrimp and Cabbage: Toss in some homemade basil pesto for a fresh, herby version.

What to Serve It With: 15 Perfect Pairings

1. Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
2. Steamed Rice: A simple side to complement the flavors.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the cabbage.
4. Cornbread: A Southern classic that’s perfect with this dish.
5. Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthy, grainy side.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
7. Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
8. Fried Plantains: Adds a sweet, crispy element.
9. Creamy Polenta: For a rich and comforting side.
10. Grilled Asparagus: Adds a touch of smokiness.
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes: For a touch of sweetness and texture.
12. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option.
13. Zucchini Noodles: A light, healthy choice.
14. Pasta: Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a unique take.
15. Hush Puppies: Southern-style cornmeal fritters that pair perfectly with seafood.

Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish, but be aware that the texture of the cabbage may change slightly. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How Much Fried Cabbage with Shrimp to Make for Family Gatherings?

For a family gathering, you’ll want to consider how many people you’re serving. This recipe serves about 4 people as a main dish. For a larger gathering of, say, 10-12 people, you’ll want to triple the ingredients. If you’ve got hearty eaters, you may even want to go for a quadruple batch!

How Far in Advance Can I Make Fried Cabbage with Shrimp?

You can prepare the ingredients (like chopping the veggies and peeling the shrimp) up to 24 hours in advance. The dish itself can be made up to 1 day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop to maintain the flavor and texture.