Some dinners just know how to wake up your taste buds — and this one? Oh, it’s wide awake and ready to dance. This Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a sizzling skillet full of bold Louisiana-inspired flavors. The smoky sausage, tender shrimp, sweet cabbage, and a hint of heat all come together over a bed of fluffy white rice for a meal that’s both hearty and downright addictive.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Balanced Bite – Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl.
- Customizable Heat – Keep it mild or turn it up with extra Cajun seasoning.
Taste Profile
This stir-fry is a mix of smoky, savory, sweet, and spicy. The smoked sausage brings depth, the shrimp adds a delicate seafood sweetness, the cabbage and carrots offer natural crunch, and the Cajun seasoning ties it all together with a kick.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Packed with protein and fiber.
- Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage Stir-Fry over Rice
Equipment
- large skillet or wok
- knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- spatula or wooden spoon
- pot for cooking rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil, onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cabbage and cook, stirring frequently, for another 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Add shrimp and cooked sausage back to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
- Serve hot over a bed of white rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of shrimp or smoked sausage.
- Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for more color and nutrition.
- Spice Swap: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add the Cabbage
Stir in chopped cabbage. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5–7 minutes until it begins to wilt.
4. Season & Simmer
Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp
Return the browned sausage to the pan. Add shrimp and cook 3–4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Spoon stir-fry over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread for a Southern touch.
- Add a side of coleslaw for cool crunch against the spicy heat.
- A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp just before serving brightens everything up.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook shrimp — they only need a few minutes once they turn pink.
- Slice sausage and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
- If you love it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
General Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking so they sear instead of steaming.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: Absolutely — serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is without rice.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a skillet full of bold, comforting flavors that taste like you’ve been cooking all day — but really, it’s on the table in about half an hour. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried this recipe? Share your version and tag me on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your Cajun creations!
Nutritional Information (per serving, without rice, approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
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