Loaded Cajun Fried Cabbage Recipe
Cajun cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, rich history, and hearty dishes that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. Among these beloved recipes is the Loaded Cajun Fried Cabbage, a dish that brings together the essence of Southern cooking with a delightful mix of textures and tastes. This zesty fried cabbage is elevated with the addition of shrimp, andouille sausage, and a medley of seasonings that make every bite a burst of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, Southern
Keyword: Cajun Fried Cabbage, Fried Cabbage, Southern Fried Cabbage
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/4 lb bacon ends, chopped
- 4 andouille sausage links, chopped into ½ inch pieces
- 1 lb large shrimp (Red Argentine shrimp recommended), thawed
- 2 tsp Rosamae Seasonings Seafood Magic (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 10 oz bag of Great Value seasoning mix (onions, peppers, celery, and parsley)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded & washed
- 1 medium head red cabbage, shredded & washed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Rosamae Seasonings Down By The Bayou (or your favorite Cajun Seasoning)
- 2 ½ tsp Rosamae Seasonings Seasoning Salt (or your favorite seasoning salt)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the bacon ends and andouille sausage links into small pieces. Thaw the shrimp if it’s frozen and season it with the Seafood Magic. Shred and wash the green and red cabbages, and mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Cook the Bacon: Place a large wok or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon ends and fry them until they are nice and golden brown with a little char. This step renders the fat from the bacon, which will be used to cook the other ingredients, adding depth to the overall flavor of the dish. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan and place it into a large mixing bowl.
- Brown the Sausage: In the same wok or pot, add the chopped andouille sausage. Cook until the sausage pieces are browned and slightly crispy. The sausage adds a smoky, spicy element to the dish, and browning it helps to deepen these flavors. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and add it to the bowl with the bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the Great Value seasoning mix (onions, peppers, celery, and parsley) to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. This seasoning mix is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking, providing a flavorful base for the dish. Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the bacon and sausage.
- Cook the Shrimp: Next, add the shrimp and salted butter to the pan. Sprinkle in the Seafood Magic seasoning and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Cook the shrimp for about 4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. The shrimp add a delightful seafood flavor that complements the smoky sausage and tender cabbage. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and add them to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Fry the Cabbage: Start adding the shredded green and red cabbage to the pot. You may need to add it in batches, allowing each batch to cook down a bit before adding more. This process helps to evenly cook the cabbage without overcrowding the pan. Once all the cabbage is in the pot, sprinkle in the Down By The Bayou Cajun seasoning and stir to combine. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that brings the whole dish together.
- Combine and Cook: Return the bacon, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables to the pot with the cabbage. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked through and well combined, remove the pot from heat. Serve the Loaded Cajun Fried Cabbage hot, alongside a slice of buttery cornbread for a truly Southern experience. The cornbread’s sweetness and soft texture perfectly balance the spicy, savory cabbage dish.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh shrimp and authentic Cajun seasonings, will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Even Cooking: When frying the cabbage, ensure it’s added in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides such as cornbread, coleslaw, or potato salad. It can also be served as a main dish over rice or grits for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information:
While the exact nutritional content will vary based on specific ingredients used, a serving of Loaded Cajun Fried Cabbage generally provides a good balance of protein from the shrimp and sausage, healthy fats from the bacon, and fiber from the cabbage. It’s a relatively low-carb option that fits well into a variety of dietary plans.