QUICK SAUSAGE AND CABBAGE STIR FRY

Craving something savory, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes? This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry hits all the right notes, delivering a flavorful combination of tender sausage, slightly sweet cabbage, and just the right amount of seasoning. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet scrumptious meal that will become a new weeknight favorite – I promise you’ll love it!

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Let’s Talk Sausage: Picking the Perfect Protein

The beauty of this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its versatility! You really can use any sausage you love. I personally adore using smoked kielbasa for its classic flavor and satisfying snap. Andouille sausage will kick things up a notch with a spicy twist, while Italian sausage (sweet or hot!) brings a whole new dimension to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect sausage soulmate for this recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients:

   First things first, get everything ready! Slice the sausage, onion, and shred the cabbage. Mince that garlic – you want it ready to go when you need it. Having all your ingredients prepped makes the stir-fry process so much smoother.

2. Sauté the Sausage and Onions:

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened – about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should release some of its delicious oils, which will add even more flavor to the stir fry.

3. Add Garlic and Cabbage:

   Add the minced garlic and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook until the cabbage starts to soften – about 3-5 minutes. Don’t overcook it; you want it to retain a little bit of its crunch! That’s part of what makes this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry so texturally satisfying.

4. Simmer in Broth and Seasonings:

   Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. If you’re using sesame oil and red pepper flakes, add them now. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the soy sauce is already salty, so go easy on the salt!

5. Serve and Enjoy!

   Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is fantastic on its own, but it’s also amazing served over rice or noodles. It’s your call!

Cabbage Choices: Green, Red, or Savoy?

While green cabbage is the most common and budget-friendly option for this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry, feel free to explore other varieties! Red cabbage adds a beautiful pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor. Savoy cabbage, with its crinkled leaves, offers a more delicate texture. Just keep in mind that red cabbage might bleed its color slightly during cooking, so your stir fry might have a slightly purplish hue. Still delicious, though!

Spice It Up (or Keep It Mild): Customizing Your Flavor

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste! If you’re a spice lover, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You could even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. For a sweeter flavor, try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup along with the soy sauce. And if you’re looking for a more savory flavor, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika will do the trick. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Stir Fry

While this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile as a base for other dishes. Try serving it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos. And if you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), they’re fantastic in omelets or frittatas. Get creative and have fun with it!

Making it a Complete Meal: Side Dish Ideas

If you want to round out your meal, consider serving this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry with a simple side dish. A green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Steamed broccoli or green beans would also pair well. Or, for something a little more substantial, try serving it with a side of cornbread or garlic bread. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal!

Storage and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare, I know!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the cabbage might get a little softer. A quick stir fry in the pan helps to crisp things back up. A similar dish is the Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet. And, for another quick and easy meal, check out the Chicken Veggie Skillet.

Healthier Swaps: Making it Lighter

Want to lighten up this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry? Here are a few easy swaps: Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. Reduce the amount of olive oil or use a cooking spray. Increase the amount of cabbage and other vegetables (like bell peppers or carrots). Use low-sodium soy sauce. And skip the sesame oil and red pepper flakes to reduce the fat and sodium content. You can also check out the Honey Garlic Sausage Sweet Potatoes for another flavorful meal.

One-Pan Wonders: Why We Love Stir Fries

Stir fries are a lifesaver on busy weeknights! They’re quick, easy, and require minimal cleanup. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes. They’re also incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. And did I mention the cleanup is a breeze? For another one-pan favorite, check out the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. Also, the Black Beans And Rice With Sausage is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

So there you have it – my go-to Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for those nights when you just don’t have time to cook. I hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know in the comments what you think and what variations you try. Happy cooking!

Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This quick sausage and cabbage stir fry is a savory and satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender sausage, slightly sweet cabbage, and simple seasonings, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner option.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Spatula
• Lid for skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ head of cabbage, shredded about 4 cups
• ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions
• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the sausage, onion, and shred the cabbage. Mince the garlic.
• Sauté the Sausage and Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened – about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Garlic and Cabbage: Add the minced garlic and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook until the cabbage starts to soften – about 3-5 minutes.
• Simmer in Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. If using sesame oil and red pepper flakes, add them now. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
• Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve over rice or noodles, if desired.

Notes

Any sausage can be used. Try kielbasa, andouille, or Italian sausage. Green cabbage is most common but red or savoy cabbage can be substituted. For spicier flavor, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.