Craving a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up after a long day? Imagine tender pieces of savory sausage mingling with crisp-tender cabbage, all coated in a flavorful sauce that dances on your taste buds. This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is the answer – a simple, yet incredibly delicious dish that will become your new weeknight go-to, and I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound sausage (Italian, kielbasa, or your favorite), sliced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for extra flavor and color!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Let’s Talk Sausage: Choosing Your Champion!
Okay, friend, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the sausage! This is where you can really customize this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry to your liking. I personally love using Italian sausage for that classic, savory flavor. But honestly, kielbasa is a fantastic choice too, giving you that smoky goodness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try chorizo for a spicier kick! Just remember to adjust the seasoning slightly if you go with a spicy sausage. The key is to use a sausage that you enjoy eating on its own, because its flavor will really shine through in the stir fry.
Also, consider the texture. Pre-cooked sausages are the easiest, as you just need to heat them through. But if you’re using raw sausage, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding the cabbage. Nobody wants a bite of undercooked sausage! For a completely different, but equally delicious, experience, you might enjoy Honey Garlic Sausage Heaven. It’s another great way to enjoy sausage in a simple and satisfying dish. This Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry can be a great option for a Healthy Dinner For The Family.
Cabbage Considerations: Shredded, Chopped, or Something Else?
Now, let’s chat about the cabbage. I usually go for the classic green cabbage, simply because it’s readily available and holds up well in the stir fry. But feel free to experiment! Savoy cabbage is a bit more tender and has a milder flavor, while red cabbage will add a beautiful pop of color (though it might bleed a little during cooking). The most important thing is to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. I find that pre-shredded cabbage from the grocery store is a huge time-saver, especially on busy weeknights. But if you prefer to shred it yourself, go for it! Just make sure to remove the tough outer leaves first.
If you’re looking for Easy Dinner Recipes With Cabbage, this stir fry is a winner! Plus, cabbage is packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal. It’s also a fantastic ingredient for those seeking Non Acidic Dinner Ideas, as it’s generally well-tolerated. If you’re enjoying cabbage, you might also enjoy the Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet, which is equally easy and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Shred or chop the cabbage.
- Slice the onion and bell pepper (if using).
- Mince the garlic.
- Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2: Stir Fry the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through (if using raw sausage) or heated through (if using pre-cooked sausage).
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Cabbage
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it starts to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and cover the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the sausage and cabbage and stir to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Spice It Up (or Tone It Down): Sauce Adjustments
The sauce is where the magic happens in this Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry! If you’re sensitive to sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or honey. And if you’re craving some heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes! You can also add a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors that suits your taste buds. Want a little extra richness? A drizzle of oyster sauce can add a lovely umami flavor.
If you’re looking for other quick and easy meals, consider Sheet Pan Sausage Perfection, which is another great way to get a satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Or, for a comforting soup option, try Gnocchi Sausage Soup. If you’re in the mood for cheesy potatoes and sausage, consider Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal!
This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic served over rice or noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice. You can also add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture. A side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad would round out the meal perfectly. And if you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), they’re great for lunch the next day.
If you are looking for another easy soup recipe, try Sausage Tortellini Soup. This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is truly an adaptable recipe, and one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes With Cabbage that you will find. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks: Stir Fry Success!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the sausage in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat to keep the vegetables crisp-tender.
- Keep it moving: Stir the ingredients frequently to prevent them from burning.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Get Creative: Variations on a Theme
Once you’ve mastered the basic Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry, the possibilities are endless! Try adding different types of sausage, vegetables, or sauces. For a spicier version, use chorizo and add some jalapeños. For a sweeter version, add some pineapple chunks. And for a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with tofu or tempeh. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect combination!
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and versatile Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Happy cooking, my friend!
What types of sausage work best in this stir-fry?
Italian sausage and kielbasa are recommended, but you can use your favorite. Chorizo is suggested for a spicier kick. Pre-cooked sausages are easiest, but if using raw sausage, ensure it’s fully cooked before adding the cabbage.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage is recommended because it’s readily available and holds up well. Savoy cabbage is more tender, and red cabbage will add color. Pre-shredded cabbage is a time-saver, but you can shred it yourself, removing the tough outer leaves first.
Can I adjust the sauce to suit my taste?
Yes! Use low-sodium soy sauce for less sodium, add more brown sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce, and increase red pepper flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce for more heat. Oyster sauce adds umami richness.
What are some tips for a successful stir-fry?
Don’t overcrowd the skillet, use high heat, keep the ingredients moving, taste and adjust the sauce, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Easy
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage Italian, kielbasa, or your favorite
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded about 6 cups
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Shred or chop the cabbage.
- Slice the onion and bell pepper (if using).
- Mince the garlic.
- Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through (if using raw sausage) or heated through (if using pre-cooked sausage).
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it starts to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and cover the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the sausage and cabbage and stir to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!