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This warm Southern-style skillet brings together smoky bacon, juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and crisp cabbage for a meal that’s full of flavor and satisfying textures. The balance of rich and fresh makes it perfect for when you want something hearty yet low in carbs.
I first made this when I was short on groceries and needed a filling dinner. Now it’s one of my most-requested weekend meals.
Ingredients
- Bacon: provides smoky depth and adds crisp bits throughout
- Shrimp: gives the dish freshness and light protein
- Kielbasa or smoked sausage: adds heartiness and deep seasoning
- Cabbage: becomes sweet and tender when sautéed
- Yellow onion: builds the flavor base when slowly cooked
- Garlic: offers a savory aromatic punch
- Olive oil: helps season the shrimp evenly
- Butter: gives richness and helps the cabbage cook evenly
- Apple cider vinegar: brightens and balances the fats
- Seafood seasoning: brings out the best in the shrimp
- Smoked paprika: enhances the overall savory profile
- Black pepper: adds mild heat
- Salt: ties all flavors together
- Dried oregano: provides a hint of herbaceous depth
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give optional heat control
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil and seafood seasoning until evenly coated and let them rest to absorb flavor
- Crisp the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook chopped bacon until golden and crisp remove and place on paper towels keeping the fat in the pan
- Brown the Sausage:
- In the same skillet cook sausage slices until browned on both sides about three minutes per side remove and set aside
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Using the same pan cook shrimp in a single layer for three minutes per side until pink and curled remove and set aside
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add butter to the skillet and cook onions with paprika oregano salt pepper and red pepper flakes over medium heat for about six minutes until softened then stir in garlic for another thirty seconds
- Sauté the Cabbage:
- Add remaining butter and vinegar stir in cabbage until coated and cook for twelve minutes stirring occasionally until tender but not mushy
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the bacon sausage and shrimp to the skillet and toss gently over heat for a minute or two to warm through taste and adjust seasoning if needed
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Shrimp has always been a favorite in my house and when I first tossed it into this skillet with smoky sausage everyone wanted seconds even my picky eater
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days
To reheat warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to keep the texture firm
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey bacon can replace traditional bacon for less fat
Chicken sausage works well if you prefer a milder flavor
Red cabbage can be used for a slight color variation though it cooks slightly firmer
Serving Suggestions
Serve over cauliflower mash or steamed rice for a fuller meal
Top with a fried egg for a brunch twist
Add a side of cornbread or simple salad to round it out
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Cultural and Historical Context
This dish borrows flavors and techniques from traditional Southern cooking where skillet meals are a weeknight staple and pork cabbage and seafood are common staples This version draws from that history while modernizing for today’s dietary needs
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead and reheat in a skillet before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa pairs well, adding rich depth and a hearty bite to the dish.
- → Is this dish low in carbs?
Yes, it’s a lower-carb option thanks to cabbage and protein-rich ingredients like shrimp and sausage.
- → Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
Chicken or extra sausage can replace shrimp if preferred, adjusting cook times as needed.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- → How spicy is the dish?
Spice level is mild to moderate. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control heat to your liking.