This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, comforting dish you can make any night of the week. It smells savory from the smoked sausage and garlic, and the cabbage softens to a sweet, tender texture with a bit of crunch. If you like simple stir-fries, this one comes together in about 20–25 minutes and pairs well with rice or crusty bread. For another easy stir-fry idea with bold flavors, check out this Mediterranean beef stir fry for inspiration.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(All values are approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 360 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish is fast, filling, and full of flavor. The smoked sausage adds a deep, savory note while the cabbage becomes sweet and tender. It requires few ingredients and little hands-on time. The contrast between the browned sausage edges and the soft, slightly crisp cabbage makes each bite satisfying. It’s great for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a low-effort dinner that still tastes hearty.
How to Make Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
You’ll brown the sausage, soften the aromatics, then toss in cabbage to finish quickly. The key is hot oil and frequent stirring so the cabbage cooks evenly and the sausage gets nice color. Use a wide skillet so ingredients spread out and steam less.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Mixing
Add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
Step 4: Finishing
Toss in the chopped cabbage and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender, about 5–7 minutes. Serve warm.
How to Serve Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
Serve it hot straight from the pan. It pairs well with steamed rice, boiled potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up juices. For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of mixed greens or with a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
How to Store Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if dry, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
- Use a wide skillet or cast-iron pan for even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so the sausage browns instead of steaming.
- Slice the sausage on the bias (diagonal) for more surface area and better browning.
- If your cabbage is large, remove the core and slice thinly so it cooks quickly.
- Taste before adding extra salt; smoked sausage can be salty already.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard at the end to brighten the dish.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeño or increase red pepper flakes.
- Veg-forward: Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms with the onion.
- Saucy: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
- Smoky-sweet: Add apple slices for a sweet contrast that pairs well with smoked sausage.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or extra sautéed greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
A: Yes. If using fresh (raw) sausage, remove it from casings and cook fully, breaking it up as it browns. You may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q: How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?
A: Cook over medium-high heat and stir frequently. Use a wide pan so steam can escape. Avoid adding too much salt early; salt draws water from the cabbage.
Q: Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
A: Swap smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. Use vegetable oil and add a pinch of smoked paprika for the smoky flavor.
Q: Is it safe to freeze after cooking?
A: Yes. Cool, freeze in a sealed container, and use within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly.
Q: What side dishes go well with this stir fry?
A: Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad all pair nicely. For a lighter meal, serve with roasted root vegetables.
Q: Can I add more seasoning or herbs?
A: Absolutely. Thyme, rosemary, or caraway seeds complement cabbage and sausage. Add fresh herbs at the end for bright flavor.
Conclusion
This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, comforting meal with bold smoky flavors and tender, slightly sweet cabbage. It’s easy to adapt and stores well for busy weeks. For another take on sausage stir-fry techniques and flavor ideas, see this Sausage Stir Fry on Chocolate with Grace. Give this recipe a try—you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Print
Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and comforting stir fry featuring savory smoked sausage and tender cabbage, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Toss in the chopped cabbage and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender, about 5–7 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Serve hot with rice or crusty bread. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
