Hearty Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
A quick, comforting dish of smoked sausage, sweet-savory cabbage, and onions, cooked together in one skillet for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds Choose your preferred sausage for flavor.
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and sliced thinly Thinly sliced for quicker cooking.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness at the end.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for browning the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
Optional Add-ins
- a pinch red pepper flakes For heat, optional.
- splash apple cider vinegar Optional for brightness.
- 1 diced bell pepper Optional add-in for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil, then the sliced sausage.
- Cook until the edges are browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Cooking the Vegetables
- Add the onion and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pile in the cabbage. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat in the sausage drippings.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to caramelize. If the pan looks dry, add a small splash of water.
Final Steps
- Stir the sausage back in and reduce heat to medium. Add butter and any optional add-ins, like red pepper flakes or a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Toss and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Notes
Little tweaks can make the dish even better: use a big pan for browning, salt in layers, and cut cabbage thin.