Fried Cabbage with Sausage – A Flavorful, One-Pan Wonder
This Fried Cabbage with Sausage recipe is a simple yet hearty dish that combines tender cabbage with flavorful, smoky sausage.
Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish, it’s made in one pan and packed with delicious seasoning. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star of this dish, offering a tender yet crisp texture when cooked.
- Sausage: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a flavorful and leaner option.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples add depth and richness to the dish.
- Seasonings: A blend of smoked paprika, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes brings a warm, smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, slice the sausage, and dice the onion.
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, cooking until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt over the cabbage. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Everything: Return the sausage to the skillet and mix with the cabbage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
- Step 2: Ensure the sausage is nicely browned for a boost of flavor.
- Step 3: Avoid overcooking the cabbage to retain its texture and color.
Recipe Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Serve as a main dish alongside crusty bread or rice.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
A: Yes, red cabbage works as well, but it will have a slightly different flavor and a more vibrant color.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before serving for an easy meal.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Cabbage with Sausage is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.
Enjoy this easy, satisfying, and wholesome dish!

This Fried Cabbage with Sausage
Equipment
- Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage chopped
- 1 pound chicken or turkey sausage sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, slice the sausage, and dice the onion.
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, cooking until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt over the cabbage. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Everything: Return the sausage to the skillet and mix with the cabbage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a main dish or side.
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
- Step 2: Ensure the sausage is nicely browned for a boost of flavor.
- Step 3: Avoid overcooking the cabbage to retain its texture and color.
- Recipe Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- What to Serve With This Recipe
- Serve as a main dish alongside crusty bread or rice.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
- A: Yes, red cabbage works as well, but it will have a slightly different flavor and a more vibrant color.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?
- A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
- A: Yes, prepare and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before serving for an easy meal.
- Serving Suggestions
- Fried Cabbage with Sausage is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.
- Enjoy this easy, satisfying, and wholesome dish!