Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry delivers smoky kielbasa, tender-crisp cabbage, and caramelized onions in one-pan glory.

This 25-minute skillet wonder serves 6 with perfect sweet-salty crunch budget-friendly comfort food perfection.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Kielbasa fat magic: Own grease creates rich pan sauce without extra oil.
  • Water steam trick: Creates tender-crisp cabbage without mush.
  • Vinegar brightness: Apple cider vinegar cuts richness perfectly.
  • One-pan ease: Minimal cleanup for maximum weeknight impact.
  • Onion caramelization: Natural sweetness balances cabbage earthiness.

Ingredients & Prep

Main:
1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick
1 medium head green cabbage (8 cups chopped)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Pan Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
4 tbsp water (divided)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown sausage slices in dry skillet over medium-high 4 minutes until crispy edges. Remove.
  2. Add 1 tbsp oil + onions; cook until softened (3 minutes). Add 1-2 tbsp water; scrape bits.
  3. Stir in garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper + 2-3 tbsp water. Cover; cook 8-9 minutes stirring occasionally.
  5. Return sausage + vinegar; toss 2 minutes. Evaporate excess liquid over high heat.
  6. Taste + adjust salt. Serve hot.
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Flavor Variations

Variation KeyAdd/SwapResulting Twist
Bacon CarawayBacon + caraway seedsEastern European
Spicy ItalianHot Italian sausage + red pepperFiery skillet
Apple CiderApples + extra ciderAutumn harvest
Cajun TrinityBell pepper + Cajun seasoningNOLA fusion

Storage Tips

Refrigerate airtight 5 days; flavors improve overnight. Reheat stovetop with splash water. Freeze 2 months; excellent reheated.

FAQs

Cabbage too crunchy? Add extra 2 tbsp water + 3 more covered minutes.
Too watery? High heat uncovered final 2 minutes evaporates liquid perfectly.
Sausage dry? Don’t over-brown initially; just crispy edges needed.

Conclusion

Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry transforms humble ingredients into craveable skillet magic smoky, tangy, one-pan perfection.

Print

Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry delivers smoky kielbasa coins and tender-crisp cabbage wedges sizzling in garlic butter with caramelized onions. One-skillet wonder ready in 20 minutes blending German and Southern comfort food traditions.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 18 mins
  • Total Time: 28 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: German

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (2 lbs), cored & cut in 8 wedges
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • 1. Heat olive oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high. Arrange cabbage wedges cut-side down; sear undisturbed 3 minutes until golden. Flip; cook 2 minutes more. Remove to plate.
  • 2. Reduce heat to medium. Melt 1 tbsp butter. Add sausage slices in single layer; cook 3 minutes until browned. Flip; brown other side 2 minutes. Remove to plate with cabbage.
  • 3. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add onions; cook 4 minutes until golden. Add garlic, smoked paprika, caraway; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • 4. Nestle cabbage and sausage back in skillet. Add vinegar; cover and cook 5-7 minutes until cabbage tender-crisp. Season generously. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Kielbasa essential for smoky fat flavor; andouille adds Cajun heat.
  • Sear cabbage wedges undisturbed for caramelized edges.
  • Apple cider vinegar brightens rich dish; white wine works too.
  • Caraway seeds traditional German pairing; fennel seeds substitute.
  • Excellent hot or room temp; perfect potluck addition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 cups
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1480mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: sausage cabbage stir fry, kielbasa cabbage skillet, one pan cabbage sausage

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