Cabbage is one of those dishes that doesn't need much to turn into something really good.
Once it hits the pan, it starts to soften, pick up flavor, and take on whatever you build around it. In this case, it's smoked sausage, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno, simple ingredients that come together quickly.
Despite the name, Southern fried cabbage isn't actually fried. It's cooked low in a skillet until it softens and comes together in its own juices.
It fits right in alongside other Southern sides like skillet honey butter cornbread, Southern baked mac and cheese, or even something simple like green beans. It also pairs well with savory roasted sweet potatoes.
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Ingredient Notes
These are the ingredients you'll need:
- Cabbage: You'll need 2-3 heads, depending on how much you're making. It cooks down quite a bit, so don't be afraid to start with more.
- Smoked chicken sausage: Adds flavor and depth without needing much else.
- Onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno: This builds your flavor base.
- Cajun seasoning: If you want to make it homemade, check out my Salt-Free Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning. It ties everything together and gives the dish its flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tips Before You Start
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches so the cabbage doesn't spill over the pot. Don't rush the cabbage once it's in the pot; it will naturally wilt and start to cook down quickly.
- Let it cook down naturally: It may look like a lot at first, but it reduces as it cooks.
- Season in layers: Add a little at a time and adjust as it cooks.
- Visual cue: The cabbage is ready when it's softened but still has a little structure and isn't mushy.
What to Look For While It Cooks
You'll know it's ready when:
- The cabbage has softened
- It's no longer raw or stiff
- It still holds its shape
- If it starts to look too soft or watery, it's gone a bit too far.
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
Here are the step-by-step instructions.
Sear the sausage until lightly golden brown.
Sauté the vegetables and minced garlic.
Add the cabbage and let it cook down.
Bring it all together.
What to Serve With Southern Fried Cabbage
This pairs well with:
📖 Recipe
Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked Sausage
Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked SausageThis Southern fried cabbage is simple to make and full of flavor, with smoked sausage, onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, garlic, and Cajun seasoning bringing everything together in one pan.
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Calories: 306kcal
Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked Sausage
Equipment
- Braiser Dutch oven, cast iron skillet, or another heavy-bottom skillet
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage (large or 1 medium + 1 small)
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 links smoked chicken sausage (about 1-½ cups sliced )
- 1 orange bell pepper (small to medium sized)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (small to medium sized)
- ½ small yellow onion (small, or sweet onion)
- 1 jalapeno
- 2-½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or 1-½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika)
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon, Roasted Chicken Flavor (reduced sodium)
- ¼ cup water (you may not need it, depending on how much water the cabbage releases while cooking)
Instructions
Prep the sausage and vegetables
- Slice the smoked sausage on a bias (at an angle) and set aside.Slice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño into medium slices (not too thin).Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Prep the Cabbage
- Remove and discard the outer leaves of the cabbage.Cut the cabbage in half, then cut each half into 4 wedges.Trim away the core from each wedge and discard.Cut each wedge in half, then give the cabbage a rough chop.Place in a large colander and rinse thoroughly under cool water. Set aside.
Sear the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil.Once hot, add the sliced sausage and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.Remove from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
Cook the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño.Sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.Add the minced garlic and cook for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.Remove everything from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Cabbage
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet in batches, allowing it to wilt down as you go so it all fits.Use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss gently.Cook for about 15-18 minutes if you want it tender with a slight bite.Cook longer if you prefer it softer.
Add Moisture and Build Flavor
- Check that there's about ¼ cup of liquid in the skillet (the cabbage will release some naturally).If needed, add a little water.Then, add the Better Than Bouillon to the bottom of the skillet and stir until fully dissolved.
Season the cabbage
- Add your Cajun seasoning and gently toss until evenly coated.Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Bring Everything Together
- Add the seared sausage, sautéed vegetables, and any juices from the plate back into the skillet.Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Notes
Tips Before You Start
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches so the cabbage doesn't spill over the pot. Don't rush the cabbage once it's in the pot; it will naturally wilt and start to cook down quickly.
- Let it cook down naturally: It may look like a lot at first, but it reduces as it cooks.
- Season in layers: Add a little at a time and adjust as it cooks.
- Visual cue: The cabbage is ready when it's softened but still has a little structure and isn't mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 1870mg | Potassium: 572mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1723IU | Vitamin C: 183mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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