If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful Southern dish, my Southern Fried Cabbage with Andouille Sausage and Jumbo Shrimp is the perfect recipe. This dish combines the smoky, spicy flavors of andouille sausage, the sweetness of sautéed onions and bell peppers, and the rich, juicy shrimp that bring it all together. It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 head of cabbage, cored, chopped, and rinsed
– 1 package of Andouille sausage, sliced
– 3 slices of thick bacon, cut into pieces
– Raw jumbo shrimp (about 1 lb or to your liking)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– Cajun seasoning, to your taste
– Lemon pepper, to your taste
– Black pepper, to your taste
– 2-3 tablespoons of butter
**Instructions:**
**1. Cook the Andouille Sausage and Bacon:**
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and the cut-up bacon pieces to the pan. Sauté them together until they are crispy and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage and bacon from the pan and set them aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan to infuse the dish with flavor.
**2. Cook the Shrimp:**
In the same pan, add your raw jumbo shrimp. Season them with a little Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are fully pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside with the sausage and bacon.
**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**
Next, reduce the heat slightly and add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and mix with the remaining sausage and bacon fat. Add the sliced onions and bell pepper to the pan, sautéing them for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened. Once the onions and bell pepper have softened, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
**4. Cook the Cabbage:**
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish—your chopped cabbage! Add the cabbage to the pan with the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the cabbage cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the cabbage to soften and absorb all the flavors from the sausage, bacon, and butter.
**5. Season and Stir:**
After 12 minutes, give the cabbage a good stir and taste it to check the seasoning. Add Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, and black pepper to your liking. Stir everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Put the lid back on and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on how tender you like your cabbage.
**6. Combine Everything:**
Once the cabbage is cooked to your preferred tenderness, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked shrimp, bacon, and andouille sausage back into the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure the flavors meld together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once everything is well combined and heated, your Southern Fried Cabbage with Andouille Sausage and Jumbo Shrimp is ready to serve! This dish is perfect as a main course or as a hearty side. The spicy sausage, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
Enjoy this flavorful Southern classic, and be sure to pair it with your favorite sides, like cornbread or mashed potatoes, for the ultimate comfort food experience.
**Tips for Success:**
– If you prefer your cabbage to be more tender, let it cook a little longer with the lid on.
– Adjust the seasoning levels based on your personal spice preference. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for additional flavor and texture.
This Southern Fried Cabbage with Andouille Sausage and Jumbo Shrimp is guaranteed to be a hit every time you make it!