Name: Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Juice of 1/2 lemon; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving something hearty yet light, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes, the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This Southern-inspired skillet dinner brings together smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies in a single pan, delivering a meal that’s both low-carb and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving a crowd, this bowl is guaranteed to impress — it’s comfort food with a healthy, colorful twist!

Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is how every ingredient plays a starring role. Each element adds its own irresistible flavor, texture, or pop of color, and together they create a balanced, crave-worthy dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Olive oil: Adds a rich base and helps brown the sausage and veggies beautifully.
Smoked sausage: Gives the dish a smoky, savory depth—try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Shrimp: Brings a sweet, tender bite and soaks up all the bold spices.
Onion: Lends a subtle sweetness and helps build the flavor foundation.
Garlic: Provides a punch of aromatic goodness that ties everything together.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and just the right amount of crunch.
Green cabbage: The star veggie—mild, tender, and perfect for soaking up every savory drop.
Paprika: Infuses warmth and a gentle smokiness.
Dried thyme: Offers earthy, herby notes that complement the sausage and shrimp.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, but gives a pleasant kick if you love a little heat.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those flavors.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the whole bowl with a fresh citrusy zing.
Chopped parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle adds freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced sausage and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each round is caramelized and golden. This step builds a smoky base that flavors the whole Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Push the sausage to one side of the skillet, making room for the shrimp. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear keeps them juicy and tender. Once done, remove both shrimp and sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those flavorful bits), add the sliced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, soaking up all that sausage flavor. Then stir in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes so the veggies get fragrant and just start to soften.

Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage and Season

Add the shredded cabbage right into the pan, along with paprika, dried thyme, cayenne if you like it spicy, and plenty of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 6–8 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted, tender, and has absorbed all the smoky, savory flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Let everything heat through for another 1–2 minutes. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like an extra pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl

Garnishes

Top your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, a wedge of lemon, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. These simple garnishes not only add color and personality but also let everyone customize their own bowl to taste.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a scoop of fluffy rice. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables make the perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl family-style in a big skillet for a rustic vibe, or plate it up in individual bowls for easy meal prep lunches. You can even tuck the filling into wraps or stuff it inside roasted bell peppers for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for longer storage. After cooling, pack the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the bowl in a skillet over medium heat until everything is heated through, or use the microwave in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it juicy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so you get that irresistible sear and avoid excess moisture in your Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl.

What if I don’t eat pork sausage?

No problem—swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even use a plant-based sausage to make the recipe your own.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe is flavorful but mild, with just a hint of warmth from the paprika and optional cayenne. Feel free to add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce if you like things extra spicy!

Can I meal prep Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl?

Definitely! This recipe holds up well for meal prep—just portion into containers after cooling, and enjoy easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What other vegetables can I add?

This bowl is super versatile—try adding carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms to bulk it up and sneak in more veggies, all without losing that signature Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl that just feels like home—cozy, vibrant, and full of flavor. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to taste every savory, satisfying bite!

Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bowl is a flavorful, low-carb, and gluten-free dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender cabbage cooked with aromatic spices and a splash of lemon juice, this skillet meal combines Southern-inspired flavors with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying and healthy main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)

Seasonings & Others

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Push the sausage to one side of the skillet to make room for the next ingredients.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove both the shrimp and sausage from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté Onion: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
Cook the Cabbage and Season: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
Recombine and Heat Through: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat all ingredients through evenly.
Finish and Garnish: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish to brighten the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, leaner option.
Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat and a spicy kick.
This dish is low-carb and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and quick lunches.
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it entirely based on your preferred spice level.
Use fresh parsley or cilantro as garnish for added freshness and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired, American