If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant, one-pan meal perfectly balances the smoky richness of sausage with the tender, juicy shrimp and the subtle sweetness of sautéed cabbage. It’s a healthy yet hearty dish that comes together quickly, making it an irresistible choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full potential of the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the spices that add warmth, to the fresh vegetables that bring vibrancy and crunch to the plate.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a succulent, tender seafood element that cooks quickly.
- 2 sausages (Andouille or your choice), sliced: Provides smoky, spicy richness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded: Brings a mild sweetness and satisfying crunch to the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, fruity base flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds savory depth and aroma when softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, slightly pungent kick.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Gives a burst of color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Offers smoky, slightly sweet undertones to enhance flavor complexity.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Layers in extra garlic flavor for richness.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Boosts savory notes without overwhelming.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds heat for those who like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the cabbage moist as it cooks and adds subtle savory depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): For a fresh herbal contrast and pop of green color.
How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced sausage and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and a little crispy around the edges. This step unlocks the sausage’s rich flavors and sets a savory base for the entire dish. Once ready, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Without cleaning the skillet, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This quick cooking develops their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for an additional minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so this ensures it releases its aroma without turning bitter, perfectly preparing the skillet for the next big ingredient.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage with Seasonings
Now comes the star vegetable — shredded cabbage. Mix it thoroughly with the onion, pepper, and garlic in the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, optional red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and soak up those warming spices.
Step 5: Steam with Chicken Broth
Pour in half a cup of chicken broth and give the mixture a good stir. Cover the pan and let the cabbage steam for 5 to 7 minutes so it becomes tender and the liquid reduces. This step keeps the cabbage moist and infuses it with savory flavor that ties the dish together.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
Meanwhile, season your shrimp simply with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a pink, opaque finish—perfectly juicy and ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the cabbage, then add the cooked shrimp. Stir everything together and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. This final step brings all the wonderful flavors and textures together beautifully.
Step 8: Serve Your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
Dish out generous portions into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This simple touch adds brightness and an inviting look that makes the dish as gorgeous as it is delicious.
How to Serve Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, providing an herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or thinly sliced green onions to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs nicely with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices or a simple side of steamed rice for a more filling meal. A crisp green salad can also add a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You could even add a fried egg on top to make it extra special and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover shrimp and sausage cabbage mixture should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of its delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp tends to change texture when frozen and thawed, you can freeze the sausage and cabbage mixture separately. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it on a low setting to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other sausages besides Andouille?
Absolutely! Andouille sausage adds wonderful spice and smokiness, but feel free to use kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder smoked sausage based on your preference. The key is to choose something flavorful that complements the shrimp.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or using a spicier sausage if you like things hotter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and chicken broth do not contain any gluten additives. Always check labels if you’re particularly sensitive.
What is the best way to shred the cabbage?
A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer works best to get thin, even shreds that cook quickly and absorb all the seasonings thoroughly. Avoid chopping too chunky for the best texture.
Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
Definitely! Chicken breast or firm white fish pieces are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked and tender.
Final Thoughts
The Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe is a wonderful combination of taste, texture, and ease that you’ll be excited to make again and again. Its mix of smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and tasty cabbage creates a comforting, colorful meal that feels both special and everyday approachable. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl!
Print
Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl featuring tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and sautéed cabbage seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic spices. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, combining protein and vegetables in a well-seasoned, wholesome bowl.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 sausages (Andouille or your choice), sliced
Vegetables
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir well. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, then cover the skillet. Let the cabbage cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the cabbage cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Dish out the shrimp and sausage cabbage mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute the Andouille sausage with any smoked or spicy sausage of your choice.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
