SAUSAGE CABBAGE: DINNER PERFECTION

I can practically smell my grandma’s kitchen just thinking about this dish. Every fall, as the weather turned crisp, she’d whip up a simple yet satisfying meal featuring sausage and cabbage. It was pure comfort food, a warm hug on a plate. Now, I’m thrilled to share my take on this classic, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and quick Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry you’ll ever make!

The Magic of Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Sausage and cabbage are truly a match made in culinary heaven. The savory, sometimes spicy, kick of the sausage perfectly complements the slightly sweet and earthy flavor of the cabbage. It’s a combination that’s both comforting and exciting, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste and create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and comes together in a flash – making it perfect for busy weeknights.

But what makes this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry truly special is its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few basic ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of love are all you need to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients List

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!

• 1 pound Sausage: I prefer using Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your spice preference), but kielbasa, andouille, or even chorizo would work beautifully.
• 1 medium head of Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use Savoy or red cabbage for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• 1 medium Onion: Yellow or white onion, diced.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: This adds a lovely umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: For a touch of acidity.
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions.

Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry on the table in no time.

1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable) and crumble it into a large skillet or wok. I like to use my hands for this, but you can also use a fork.
2. Brown the Sausage: Cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be nicely browned – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from!
3. Remove the Sausage: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. Don’t drain the fat! We’ll use that to cook the vegetables.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the olive oil to the skillet (if needed) and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. You should start to smell that wonderful onion aroma filling your kitchen. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded or chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it’s tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. The cabbage should wilt down slightly but still retain some crunch. If you prefer a softer cabbage, cook it for a few more minutes.
6. Add the Sausage Back In: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the cabbage.
7. Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the sausage and cabbage and stir well to combine.
8. Cook and Thicken: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the sausage and cabbage are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should coat the sausage and cabbage beautifully.
9. Season to Taste: Taste the stir-fry and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it over rice or noodles.

Variations to Spice Things Up

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli.
• Use Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
• Add Ginger: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the stir-fry for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to make it spicier.
• Add a Sweet Touch: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Serve it with Noodles: Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles, such as egg noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles.

Success Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

Want to ensure your Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips for success:

• Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the sausage and vegetables. This will help them to brown properly and prevent them from sticking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the sausage and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the ingredients from browning properly.
• Cut the Cabbage Evenly: Cut the cabbage into even pieces so that it cooks evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The cabbage should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Cook it just until it’s wilted and still has some crunch.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

While this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with a few complementary side dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Serve the stir-fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
• Noodles: Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles, such as egg noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles.
• Salad: Serve the stir-fry with a simple green salad or a slaw.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Serve the stir-fry with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Other Stir Fry Inspirations

If you love this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry, you might also enjoy these other delicious stir-fry recipes:

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try BEEF BROCCOLI. It’s a classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Looking for something a little different? KOHLRABI CHICKEN is a surprisingly delicious and healthy option.

If you’re craving something truly decadent, GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP LASAGNA is a must-try. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.

And for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic, try STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can prepare the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

To store leftover stir-fry, let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

I don’t recommend freezing this stir-fry, as the cabbage can become mushy when thawed.

A Recipe for Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Sausage (Italian, Kielbasa, or Chorizo)
• 1 medium head Cabbage, shredded or chopped
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Remove sausage from casing (if applicable) and crumble into a large skillet or wok. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage, until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed, and heat over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
3. Add the shredded or chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp (5-7 minutes).
4. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the cabbage.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the sausage and cabbage and stir well to combine.
6. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the sausage and cabbage are heated through (2-3 minutes).
7. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and satisfying Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and you can customize it to suit your taste. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a truly amazing meal. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

This Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, budget-friendly, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The savory sausage complements the slightly sweet cabbage, creating a comforting and versatile dish that can be easily customized to your taste.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Sausage Italian, Kielbasa, or Chorizo
• 1 medium head Cabbage, shredded or chopped
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• spoon
• knife
• Cutting board
• small bowl
• whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Remove sausage from casing (if applicable) and crumble into a large skillet or wok.
2. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
3. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside in a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed, and heat over medium heat.
5. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (3-5 minutes).
6. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Add the shredded or chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp (5-7 minutes).
8. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the cabbage.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
10. Pour the sauce over the sausage and cabbage and stir well to combine.
11. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the sausage and cabbage are heated through (2-3 minutes).
12. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt.
13. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).

Notes

For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. Other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can be added to the stir-fry. To store leftovers, let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Serving suggestions include steamed rice, noodles, or a simple green salad.