Description
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a hearty, budget-friendly one-pan dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring smoky sausage, tender-crisp cabbage, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking for a healthy low-carb dinner packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (beef or chicken), sliced into coins
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in shredded cabbage and cook 5–7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to coat.
- Combine: Return sausage to skillet, stir together, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for Best Flavor
- Use smoked sausage for richer flavor.
- Try red or Napa cabbage for variety.
- Deglaze with broth or vinegar for extra depth.
- Add apple slices or shredded carrots for sweetness.
- Mix in quinoa or lentils for more protein.
Ingredient Swaps
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms + chickpeas.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Low-sodium: Choose reduced-salt sausage or skip added salt.
- Extra veggies: Add peppers, kale, or spinach.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with baked sweet potato, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Wrap in tortillas for a rustic wrap.
- Pair with roasted potatoes, fruit salad, or cucumber agua fresca.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat in skillet with splash of water or in microwave.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking cabbage – keep it tender-crisp.
- Skipping browning – adds essential flavor.
- Under-seasoning – taste and adjust before serving.
- Crowding pan – leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-shredded cabbage? Yes, it saves time.
- Best sausage? Smoked beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Freeze? Possible, but cabbage softens—better fresh.
- Gluten-free? Yes, if sausage is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry, healthy sausage dinner, low carb sausage cabbage, one pan cabbage stir fry, easy family dinner, budget cabbage recipe, smoked sausage skillet, quick cabbage meal