Southern Fried Cabbage So Good, You’ll Never Make It Any Other Way

If you’ve never had Southern fried cabbage, you are in for a treat! This dish takes simple ingredients and turns them into something flavorful, hearty, and completely satisfying. But we’re not stopping at the classic version—we’re taking it up a notch with a Cajun twist that brings heat, spice, and smoky goodness to every bite.

This fried cabbage recipe is packed with bold flavors from Andouille sausage, shrimp, and Cajun seasoning, making it a delicious one-pan meal or side dish. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage, this recipe has got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor – The combination of Cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and shrimp gives this dish an irresistible taste.
• Budget-friendly – Cabbage is one of the most affordable veggies out there, making this meal easy on your wallet.
• Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a simple recipe that doesn’t require fancy techniques.
• Versatile – You can serve it as a side dish or make it a full meal by adding rice or cornbread on the side.
• One-pan meal – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your food!

Cost Per Serving

Let’s talk about how affordable this dish is! Since most of the ingredients are simple and easy to find, it’s perfect if you’re cooking on a budget. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:

• 6 oz Andouille Sausage – $2.50
• 1 small onion – $0.50
• 1 red bell pepper – $1.00
• 1/2 head of cabbage – $1.25
• Seasonings & garlic – $0.75 (estimated)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – $0.50
• 20 shrimp – $4.00

Total Cost: ~$10.50
Cost Per Serving: ~$2.50 (serves 4)

Compared to eating out, this is a super affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor! Coming just under $3 per serving, this southern fried cabbage recipe is perfect for budget-conscious home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cajun Southern Fried Cabbage:

Main Ingredients:

• Andouille sausage – Adds bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
• Onion – Provides natural sweetness and a savory base.
• Red bell pepper – Brings color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
• Cabbage – The key ingredient, offering a tender yet hearty texture.
• Shrimp – Brings a fresh, slightly sweet seafood flavor to complement the spice.
• Chicken broth – Helps tenderize the cabbage and deepen the flavor.
• Minced garlic – Adds an aromatic, savory depth to the dish.

Seasonings:

• Cajun seasoning – The heart of the dish, bringing bold spice and heat. This is also where the salt in the dish comes in.
• Onion powder – Enhances the natural onion flavor.
• Garlic powder – Boosts the garlicky goodness throughout.
• Paprika – Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color.
• Oregano – Brings a subtle earthy, herby note.
• Cayenne pepper – Gives an extra spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Black pepper – Rounds out the spices with a little warmth.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop the cabbage, slice the sausage, mince the garlic, and dice the onion and bell pepper. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother and faster.

TIP: Make sure not to chop the onions and bell peppers too small, so when you cook it down there’s still some bite to it.

1. Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a small amount of oil if needed. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until they soften just a little bit, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the Cabbage & Seasonings

Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well so everything gets coated in those spices.

4. Pour in the Chicken Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pan. This helps steam the cabbage and infuse it with even more flavor. Cover the skillet, reduce your heat, and let it cook for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook the Shrimp

Once everything is cooked down, add the shrimp to the pot and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

6. Bring Everything Together

Uncover the cabbage, stir in the cooked sausage and shrimp. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this delicious Southern fried cabbage as a main dish or a side with rice, cornbread, or roasted potatoes.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh cabbage and shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Adjust the spice level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne or use a mild Cajun seasoning.
• Make it ahead – This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with this fried cabbage recipe? Here are some great pairings:

• White or brown rice – To soak up all that flavorful Cajun goodness.
• Cornbread – A classic Southern side that pairs beautifully with this dish.
• Roasted potatoes – For an extra hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Without Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can leave out the shrimp or swap it with chicken for a different twist.

How Spicy Is This Recipe?

It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning.

How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.

Try This Bold & Flavorful Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe!

There you have it—a Cajun Southern Fried Cabbage recipe that’s easy, affordable, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re making it as a quick dinner or a side for a big meal, this dish is sure to be a hit!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how it turned out! And if you love Southern comfort food, check out my other budget-friendly recipes for more inspiration.

Cajun Southern Fried Cabbage

This Southern fried cabbage recipe gets a bold Cajun twist with smoky Andouille sausage, shrimp, and a blend of spices. It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor!

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Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Cajun/Creole, Southern

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients:

• 6 oz Andouille sausage sliced
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1/2 head of cabbage chopped
• 20 shrimp peeled and deveined

Seasonings:

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

 

• Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the cabbage, slice the sausage, dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside.
• Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a small amount of oil if needed. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the Cabbage & Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the cabbage in the spices.
• Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the Shrimp: Once the cabbage is tender, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
• Bring Everything Together: Stir in the cooked sausage. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then remove from heat.
• Serve & Enjoy!: Serve as a side dish or over rice, cornbread, or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.