Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make? This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is your answer – a vibrant mix of savory sausage, tender cabbage, and optional veggies that comes together in under 30 minutes, promising a satisfying meal even on the busiest evenings.
The Star Players: Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound Sausage: (Italian, Polish Kielbasa, or your favorite), sliced
- 1 medium head Cabbage: shredded or chopped
- 1 medium Onion: sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic: minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: or your preferred cooking oil
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth: or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: (low sodium is recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar: adds a touch of tang
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: for smoky depth (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional Veggies: carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, or any other veggies you love!
- Optional Garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Gear Up: What You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!
Getting Started: Prep Work
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Shred or chop the cabbage (pre-shredded cabbage works great too!). Slice the onion and mince the garlic. If using additional vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces as well.
Cooking the Sausage: Building Flavor
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor base.
Sautéing the Aromatics: Onion and Garlic
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Adding the Cabbage and Veggies: The Stir Fry Begins
- Add Cabbage (and other veggies): Add the shredded cabbage (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the skillet. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to soften and wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
Creating the Sauce: Flavor Explosion
- Deglaze and Steam: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (this adds tons of flavor!). Stir in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Cover the skillet and let the cabbage steam for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp.
Bringing it Together: The Grand Finale
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving: Enjoy!
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Stir Fry
Sausage Selection:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage! Italian sausage (sweet or hot), Polish kielbasa, and even smoked sausage all work wonderfully in this dish. Consider Honey Garlic Sausage for a sweeter twist.
Cabbage Customization:
While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can also use red cabbage or savoy cabbage. Red cabbage will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a beautiful vibrant color. Savoy cabbage is more tender and has a milder flavor.
Vegetable Variety:
The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, broccoli, and snow peas all work well. If you’re looking for something a little different, try adding some chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients. A Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables can provide inspiration.
Spice it Up:
For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could even use hot Italian sausage.
Make it Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to ensure it remains gluten-free.
Make it Ahead:
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Slice the sausage, chop the vegetables, and shred the cabbage in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Leftovers:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
- Serve over rice or noodles: For a more substantial meal, serve the sausage and cabbage stir fry over cooked rice or noodles.
- Add a side of bread: A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a salad: A simple green salad or a Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet would make a great side dish.
Health Benefits: Good for You Too!
This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients! Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Sausage provides protein and iron. Adding a variety of vegetables will further boost the nutritional value of this dish. This recipe is also relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you serve it without rice or noodles. For a lower carb option, consider something like Low Carb Chicken Bake on another night.
Variations: Tweak to Your Taste
- Sausage Cabbage and Apples: Add diced apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Sausage Cabbage and Potatoes: Add diced potatoes for a heartier meal, similar to Sausage Cabbage but with a stir fry twist.
- Cabbage Roll in a Skillet: Think of this as a deconstructed Cabbage Roll Creations, but much faster to prepare.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Cabbage is too soggy: Make sure you don’t overcook the cabbage. It should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Reduce the amount of liquid you add, or cook the cabbage uncovered for the last few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Sausage is dry: Choose a sausage with a higher fat content or add a little extra oil to the skillet. Don’t overcook the sausage, as it will become dry and tough.
Flavor is bland: Season generously with salt and pepper. Add more soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, or smoked paprika to taste. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Final Thoughts: A Weeknight Winner!
This Sausage And Cabbage Stir Fry is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. With a few simple variations, you can customize it to your liking. So, grab your skillet and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying this simple stir fry can be.
What kind of sausage is best for this stir-fry?
You can use Italian sausage (sweet or hot), Polish kielbasa, or even smoked sausage. Experiment to find your favorite!
What vegetables can I add to the Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry?
The possibilities are endless! Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, celery, broccoli, and snow peas all work well. You can also add kale or spinach.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to ensure it remains gluten-free.
What can I serve with this Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal, or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad also makes a great side dish.
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Quick
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Shred or chop the cabbage. Slice the onion and mince the garlic. If using additional vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces as well.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cabbage (and other veggies): Add the shredded cabbage (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the skillet. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to soften and wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze and Steam: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Cover the skillet and let the cabbage steam for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
