Zesty Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Recipe: Comfort in a Pan

Southern charm meets seafood magic in this delectable southern fried cabbage with shrimp dish that promises a flavor explosion.

Crisp cabbage mingles with succulent shrimp, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures and tastes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet irresistible recipe passed down through southern kitchens.

Fragrant spices and golden-brown edges hint at the incredible depth waiting in every single bite.

A skillet becomes your canvas, transforming humble ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Crispy edges, tender shrimp, and perfectly seasoned cabbage make this recipe a true culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Grab your apron and let’s cook up something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What’s Great About Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

• Savor Southern Comfort: Experience a hearty dish that brings classic Southern flavors straight to your plate with minimal fuss.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Create a restaurant-worthy meal using everyday pantry staples that come together in one skillet with incredible depth of flavor.
• Quick Protein-Packed Meal: Enjoy a nutritious dinner that combines tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and nutrient-rich cabbage for a satisfying and balanced meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that cooks everything in a single skillet, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

What Goes Into Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a succulent and tender protein component to the Southern-style dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds rich, smoky flavor and textural contrast to the cabbage.

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that creates a hearty and aromatic foundation for the Southern-style skillet meal.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Cooking liquids that help prevent sticking and enhance the overall moisture and flavor of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that provide depth, heat, and a complex flavor profile to the Southern fried cabbage.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a subtle herbal note to the final dish.

How To Cook Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes deliciously crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, keeping the flavorful bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft.

Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Transform Cabbage

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the cabbage for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the cabbage softens and develops beautiful caramelized edges.

Step 4: Prevent Sticking and Boost Flavor

If the cabbage mixture appears dry, pour in chicken broth.

This prevents sticking and infuses the dish with extra depth of flavor.

Step 5: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Gently place shrimp into the skillet.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink color and are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle the crispy bacon back into the skillet and give everything a gentle toss.

Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this Southern-style comfort dish.

Tips For Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp Success

• Crisp bacon first for an extra flavor boost and save those delicious drippings for sautéing.
• Add chicken broth sparingly to prevent the cabbage from drying out and maintain a rich, moist texture.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and cook them just until they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for a personalized heat profile.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like chicken or andouille sausage for different flavor variations.

Different Takes On Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

• Spicy Cajun Cabbage Medley: Replace smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and use andouille sausage instead of bacon for a Louisiana-style kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, increase bacon quantity, and use extra olive oil to boost fat content while maintaining the cabbage base.
• Vegetarian Cabbage Skillet: Eliminate shrimp and bacon, substitute with plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu, and add nutritional yeast for umami flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, replace shrimp with sliced pork, and garnish with green onions for an eastern flair.

Good Matches For Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

• Pair Southern Bold Zesty Wines: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the smoky bacon and spicy cabbage perfectly.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or light wheat beer to balance the richness of bacon and cut through the dish's hearty flavors.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a light citrus-dressed arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the warm, spicy cabbage and shrimp.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious bacon drippings and catch all the flavorful sauce.

How To Store Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that shrimp texture may slightly change upon thawing.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Southern Fried Cabbage With Shrimp FAQs Coming Up

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of bacon?

Definitely! You can substitute bacon with ham, sausage, or even pancetta for a similar smoky flavor profile.

• How spicy will this dish be?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. Start with a small pinch for mild heat, or increase to a full teaspoon for a spicier kick.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Yes, this Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Can I make this recipe without shrimp?

Absolutely! You can skip the shrimp and make this a vegetarian side dish, or replace it with chicken or another protein of your choice.

Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets coastal comfort in this crispy Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp fusion dish. Savory shrimp nestled among golden-brown cabbage strips create a hearty skillet sensation that brings Southern hospitality and seafood elegance to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Introduce diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until translucent and softened, approximately 3 minutes. Infuse minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Allow cabbage to cook, stirring intermittently, for 8-10 minutes until edges caramelize and texture becomes tender.
4. If the mixture appears dry, splash chicken broth to prevent scorching and amplify overall flavor profile.
5. Gently introduce raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-4 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color and reach perfect doneness.
6. Reintroduce crispy bacon to the skillet, gently tossing ingredients to distribute flavors evenly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a final flourish before serving the dish hot.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunchiness and deeper flavor infusion into the dish.
• Use fresh, medium-sized shrimp for optimal texture and quick cooking time.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content for health-conscious individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg