Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage

The sizzling sound of sausage hitting a hot skillet, followed by the sweet aroma of cabbage caramelizing in savory drippings creates an irresistible invitation to the kitchen. This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage transforms humble ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. The tender cabbage leaves absorb the rich, smoky essence of the sausage, while herbs and spices add depth to every bite. You’ll learn how to perfectly balance these flavors and create a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial yet simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage hits all the right notes for a truly satisfying meal. The combination of textures is what makes this dish exceptional—crisp-tender cabbage with its slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory, juicy sausage. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity. Using just one skillet means minimal cleanup, while the straightforward cooking process requires no special techniques or equipment. The dish comes together in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited but you still want something homemade and delicious.

Additionally, this cabbage and sausage skillet is incredibly versatile. It works as a complete meal on its own, or you can serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a more substantial dinner. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients List for the Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage

This ingredient list combines humble pantry staples with fresh vegetables to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The sausage provides rich flavor while the cabbage offers a slightly sweet counterpoint that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.

• 1 lb (450g) sausage meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or chopped
• 1/2 head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon crumbled chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Pro Tips

For the ultimate Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage, these three critical techniques will elevate your dish from good to exceptional:

First, don’t rush the sausage browning process. Allow the meat to develop a deep golden crust before stirring. This step creates flavor compounds that form the foundation of the entire dish. The caramelization that happens during this stage is essential for developing rich, complex flavors that will permeate the cabbage.

Second, slice your cabbage correctly for even cooking. Remove the tough core and cut the cabbage into consistent pieces about 1-inch square. Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.

Finally, resist the urge to continuously stir the cabbage. Once added to the pan, give it time to develop some caramelization by stirring only occasionally. This patience allows the cabbage to take on a slightly sweet flavor as its natural sugars caramelize, creating flavor depth that rushed cooking simply can’t achieve.

Instructions

Step 1: To make the fried cabbage with sausage skillet: Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.

Step 2: Add the onion to the sausage meat and continue to saute until the onion for 3 – 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about half a minute.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Season with the bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper and continue cooking for a couple of minutes. Serve the fried cabbage with sausage skillet immediately, garnished with sliced scallion. Enjoy!

Variations

The beauty of this Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage lies in its adaptability. For a low-carb version perfect for keto dieters, simply use a sugar-free sausage variety and add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for brightness without added carbs. The dish naturally fits low-carb requirements while delivering satisfying flavor.

For those preferring a spicier twist, transform this into a Cajun-inspired dish by using andouille sausage instead of regular sausage meat, and adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne along with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. This variation brings a Louisiana flair that works wonderfully with the cabbage base.

Vegetarians can enjoy a meatless version by substituting plant-based sausage alternatives or even adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed until deeply browned. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor that satisfies even without meat.

Storage and Serving

This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, creating an even more delicious dish the next day. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or microwave until hot throughout.

For a complete meal, serve this hearty dish over buttery mashed potatoes, allowing the flavorful juices to mingle with the creamy spuds. Alternatively, pair it with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce created during cooking. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich flavors of the sausage cabbage skillet.

For a brunch variation, top each serving with a fried egg – the runny yolk creates a luscious sauce that elevates the entire dish to new heights.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for this cabbage and sausage recipe?
While you can use any type of sausage meat, smoked varieties like kielbasa or Polish sausage add exceptional flavor. Italian sausage (mild or hot) works wonderfully too. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage are excellent substitutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Fried Cabbage Recipe with Sausage actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day. Prepare it completely, store in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Simply omit the cayenne pepper and reduce or eliminate the black pepper. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other herbs and spices without the heat.

What’s the best way to cut cabbage for this recipe?
Remove the tough core first, then slice the cabbage into approximately 1-inch pieces. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking throughout.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, or celery make excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables like carrots when you add the onions, and more tender vegetables like bell peppers when you add the cabbage.

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