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

Flavor Variations
| Variation Key | Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Caraway | Bacon + caraway seeds | Eastern European |
| Spicy Italian | Hot Italian sausage + red pepper | Fiery skillet |
| Apple Cider | Apples + extra cider | Autumn harvest |
| Cajun Trinity | Bell pepper + Cajun seasoning | NOLA 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.
PrintSausage 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.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 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

