When they’re fried together in this Cabbage and Sausage Skillet, cabbage and sausage really do go well together.
I’ve used these two ingredients in a lot of different dishes, but when I saw this easy recipe in my friend Gina’s new cookbook, One and Done, I knew I had to make it right away.
This dish highlights everything delicious about these two ingredients without adding too much more to the dish. It’s cabbage and sausage in their simplest most flavorful state.
Besides that, this skillet meal is simple to make with little notice, making it ideal for a busy dinner during the week.
Cabbage and sausage is a classic flavor combination that just seems to work perfectly together The smoky, salty sausagepairs so well with the slightly sweet, tender cabbage. Frying up cabbage and sausage on the stovetop results in a simple, satisfying one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to fry cabbage and sausage for a delicious southern-inspired dinner. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Benefits of frying cabbage and sausage
- Choosing the right cabbage and sausage
- Ingredients and equipment you’ll need
- Step-by-step frying instructions
- Serving suggestions and side dish ideas
- Tips for leftovers and modifications
Why Fry Cabbage and Sausage?
There are a few reasons why frying cabbage and sausage makes such a great dinner option:
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It’s fast – the cabbage cooks down quickly so the entire skillet meal can be ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
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One pan – Frying the cabbage and sausage together means minimal dishes to wash later. I love a one-pan wonder.
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Flavor – Frying builds so much flavor as the sausage gets browned and crispy while flavor from the sausage renders into the cabbage
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Comfort food – The combination of smoky sausage and tender cabbage is so comforting and satisfying.
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Nutritious – Cabbage is an underrated nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamin C vitamin K potassium, and fiber.
Picking the Right Cabbage and Sausage
The two main ingredients for fried cabbage and sausage are obviously the cabbage and sausage. Here are some tips for choosing the best options:
Cabbage
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Green cabbage is the most commonly used, but red cabbage also works great.
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Try to find a head of cabbage with crisp, tightly packed leaves. Avoid any discoloration or sliminess.
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Smaller heads, around 1-2 pounds, work well for a skillet meal for 4 people.
Sausage
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Smoked sausage works best to bring that smoky flavor. Go for kielbasa, smoked bratwurst, smoked andouille, etc.
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Flavored chicken sausage can also be used for a lighter option.
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Slice the sausage into 1/2 inch rounds or half moons.
Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 1 pound smoked sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, optional spice mixes
- Chicken broth or wine (optional)
Equipment:
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions for Frying
Follow these simple steps for fried cabbage and sausage success:
1. Prepare the cabbage and sausage
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Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core. Thinly slice the cabbage chunks into strips.
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Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2 inch rounds.
2. Cook the sausage
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Add 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat.
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When hot, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Remove the cooked sausage to a plate.
3. Cook the cabbage
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If needed, add another tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet.
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Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
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Next add the cabbage and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage starts to wilt.
4. Finish the dish
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Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix with the cabbage.
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Optionally add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to help steam the cabbage to tenderness.
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Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until cabbage reaches desired tenderness.
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Adjust seasoning and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Here are some ideas for serving your delicious fried cabbage and sausage:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions
- Serve with grainy mustard or horseradish mustard
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top
- Serve with mashed or roasted potatoes
- Pair with buttery biscuits or cornbread
- Bake a loaf of crusty bread for dipping in the juice
- Roast root vegetables like carrots or parsnips
The possibilities are endless! Adjust them to your preferences.
Tips for Leftovers and Modifications
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Leftover fried cabbage and sausage reheats well in a skillet or the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
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Try substituting different types of cabbage like Savoy, Napa, or bok choy.
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For a lower carb option, replace half the cabbage with chopped kale.
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Add diced tomatoes for brightness.
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Use spicy andouille sausage for extra heat.
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Stir in some grated cheddar or parmesan for cheesy cabbage sausage.
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Add chopped apples or pears for a hint of sweetness.
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Cabbage and Sausage Recipe
Nothing special is required to make this recipe. Begin with the sausage and cabbage. Next, chop up an onion and add some garlic, salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar.
You’ll be done cooking dinner in hardly any time at all it will be delicious too!
What is it about cabbage and sausage that makes them go so well together? It doesn’t matter what else is mixed with them.
Salty, smoky sausage, with tender sauteed cabbage, is a guaranteed win with my family. Raw cabbage doesn’t taste very good by itself and might even be a little bitter or peppery. Cooked cabbage, on the other hand, tastes sweeter and takes on more flavors from the foods you cook with it, like sausage.
When these two things are cooked together, we make a meal that everyone in my family wants again and again. I enjoy it so much that I have forgotten how many recipes I have made with cabbage and sausage together.
Fried Cabbage and Sausage
I really enjoy baked cabbage recipes like Layered Cabbage Rolls or Cabbage Roll Soup. Also, I will never complain about a soup where the cabbage is cooked until it is soft and sweet, like this Mexican White Bean and Cabbage Soup recipe.
BUT pan-fried cabbage and sausage? That’s what I want most when I want to cook cabbage and sausage together.
Kewelbasa sausage is browned in a skillet with just a little oil in the beginning of this fried sausage and cabbage recipe. After the meat is done, cabbage and onion are fried in a pan with garlic, salt, and pepper.
A little red wine vinegar gives the meat and vegetables a sour taste that ties the whole dish together.
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that I don’t mind putting herbs and spices in my food.
Sometimes, though, you just want the unadulterated taste of the cabbage and sausage without any extras. Kielbasa is already pretty spicy, and I can’t think of a better way to make a simple skillet dinner.
Kielbasa recipes are my go-to meals for quick and easy dinners. It’s a rare day when you won’t find a kielbasa sausage waiting to be used in my refrigerator. The convenience factor cannot be beaten.
Kieslbasa sausages are something I buy in bulk and use in our favorite recipes.
Kielbasa and Shrimp Fried Rice is a hearty meal that my whole family enjoys. Also, this Garlicky Potato, Kielbasa, and Green Chile Skillet is a great dish for someone who loves green chiles.
If you love sheet pan meals as much as I do, you’ll want to try this Kielbasa and Pierogies Sheet Pan Dinner. This Asparagus Kielbasa Bow Tie Pasta is another great way to use sausage for an easy dinner.
Juicy, salty kielbasa sausage, tender-crisp cabbage, some chopped onions, and flavorful garlic make this Sausage Stir Fry a simple one-pan dinner the whole family loves.
If you don’t already have it, I recommend picking up Gina’s One and Done cookbook!
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Sausage
FAQ
Is fried cabbage good to eat?
How long to soak cabbage before cooking?
How to make fried cabbage sausage?
1. To make the fried cabbage sausage skillet: Chop or slice the sausage, cabbage, and onion. 2. In a large non-stick skillet, cook the sliced sausage about 3 minutes until the edges start to brown and sausage renders some fat. Remove sausage from skillet and drain on paper towels if needed. Set sausage aside and wipe the skillet clean. 3.
How to clean cabbage?
Remove any parts that are dark green and stained. Remove each sheet from the center, separating them. Reserve them in a bowl. In a container, dilute 4 drops of hypochlorite in 1 liter of filtered water. Pour this solution over the cabbage leaves, letting them soak for 10 minutes. After the chlorine action kills all the bacteria, take a piece at a time of the vegetable and wash it in running water. No need to rub, just hold a piece and leave it under the faucet.
How do you cook cabbage with sausage?
As it cooks, the sausage will render some fat, leaving a flavorful oil for the cabbage. With a slotted spoon, remove the sausage from the pan and cook the onions in the leftover fat. (Giving the onions a head start on the other vegetables allows them soften and sweeten.) Next, add the cabbage and garlic, and cook until slightly tender.
How long does it take to cook fried cabbage & sausage?
Fried Cabbage and Sausage – An easy low carb one pan meal ready in less than 30 minutes. A simple dish with few ingredients make shopping and cooking a breeze! Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, sauté until onion is translucent about 5-7 minutes.