Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp
Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp is a classic Southern dish combining tender, seasoned shrimp with hearty, slightly caramelized cabbage. This quick and nutritious recipe offers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying texture, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a taste of Southern comfort food.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Produce
- 1 medium fresh green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seafood
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash and chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Peel, devein, and pat the shrimp dry. Mince the garlic and dice the onion to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly and cook over medium-high heat until the cabbage softens and browns slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Add Final Touches: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the cabbage. Pour in apple cider vinegar and cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the vinegar to reduce slightly and coat the ingredients with a tangy glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat once heated through and well combined. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to maintain tenderness and avoid a rubbery texture.
- Cook shrimp in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding and achieve a good sear.
- Use a wide skillet to allow even caramelization of the cabbage and to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control the spice level to your preference.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld.
- For garnish, chopped fresh parsley or green onions add color and fresh flavor.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or white rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Southern Fried Cabbage, Shrimp, Southern cuisine, Fried cabbage recipe, Quick dinner, Gluten free, Comfort food