Fried Cabbage is TOP TIER

Fried Cabbage is TOP TIER is a easy American (Cajun) recipe that serves 4. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $7.80 total, $1.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head Green Cabbage (core removed, sliced into uniform strips)
  • 1 pound Smoked Sausage (cut into 1‑inch pieces; kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage work well)
  • 1 large Onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 large Bell Pepper (any color, roughly chopped)
  • 3 cloves Roasted Garlic (mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade blend)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Roughly chop the onion and bell pepper, then set aside. Slice the cabbage into uniform strips after removing the core.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Render Sausage

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their fat and are lightly browned, about 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Remove Sausage & Sweat Veggies

    Transfer the rendered sausage to a plate. Add the butter to the skillet, then toss in the onion, bell pepper, and mashed roasted garlic. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Cook Cabbage

    Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat, then cover with the lid and let steam for 15‑20 minutes, stirring once every few minutes to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Combine Sausage

    Uncover, return the cooked sausage to the pan, and stir everything together. Cook an additional 5 minutes so flavors meld.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Plate and Serve

    Spoon the hot cabbage‑sausage mixture onto plates or a serving bowl. Enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
360
Protein
17g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
31g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains Pork, Gluten-Free (if using gluten‑free sausage)

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Fried Cabbage is TOP TIER

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A quick, one‑pan Cajun‑flavored fried cabbage loaded with smoky sausage, onions, bell pepper, butter, and roasted garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour.

EasyAmerican (Cajun)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.80
Total cost
$1.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Render the sausage fully to release its fat and flavor.
  • Cover the cabbage and let it steam; this ensures tenderness without burning.
  • Stir the cabbage occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts; handles become very hot.
  • Ensure sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fried cabbage with sausage in Cajun cuisine?

A

Fried cabbage, often called "choucroute" in Cajun French, is a humble, hearty side that grew out of the need for inexpensive, filling meals using locally available produce and smoked meats. It reflects the French‑Acadian roots of Louisiana cooking, where cabbage and sausage were staple ingredients for farm families.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Cajun fried cabbage in Louisiana?

A

In coastal Cajun regions, the dish may include shrimp or crab and a splash of Creole mustard. In inland areas, Andouille sausage replaces kielbasa, and sometimes a pinch of sugar is added to balance the heat. The core concept—cabbage sautéed with smoked meat and Cajun spices—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Cajun fried cabbage traditionally served in Cajun households?

A

It is typically served as a side to rice, cornbread, or alongside a main protein like catfish. In many families it appears on the dinner table as a communal skillet dish, eaten with a spoon or torn pieces of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Cajun fried cabbage commonly prepared in Louisiana culture?

A

Cajun fried cabbage is a go‑to dish for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and after‑work meals. It also appears at Mardi Gras celebrations and church suppers because it can be made in large batches and feeds a crowd affordably.

cultural
Q

How does Cajun fried cabbage fit into the broader Cajun cuisine tradition?

A

The dish embodies key Cajun principles: use of smoked meats, bold seasoning, one‑pot cooking, and reliance on locally grown vegetables. It showcases the balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that define Cajun cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cajun fried cabbage versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include green cabbage, smoked sausage (kielbasa or Andouille), butter, roasted garlic, and a Cajun spice blend. Substitutes can be smoked turkey sausage for a leaner option, olive oil instead of butter, or a homemade Cajun mix if store‑bought isn’t available.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with Cajun fried cabbage?

A

Pairs beautifully with red beans and rice, jambalaya, blackened catfish, or a simple bowl of creamy grits. The cabbage’s acidity also balances richer dishes like gumbo or étouffée.

cultural
Q

What makes Cajun fried cabbage special or unique in Cajun cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the combination of caramelized cabbage with the deep, smoky flavor of rendered sausage, all lifted by a bold Cajun seasoning. The quick skillet method preserves the cabbage’s slight crunch while infusing it with spice.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cajun fried cabbage at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper browning; not covering the cabbage long enough, resulting in a chewy texture; and using too high heat, which can scorch the bottom before the cabbage softens.

technical
Q

Why does this Cajun fried cabbage recipe use butter and roasted garlic instead of oil and raw garlic?

A

Butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the smoked sausage, while roasted garlic provides a mellow, sweet depth without the sharp bite of raw garlic. This combination creates a balanced, comforting taste profile.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on fast, practical home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and a fun, energetic presentation style for everyday cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Chicken and Chinese Cabbage
13

Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Chicken and Chinese Cabbage

Wide rice noodles stir-fried with tender chicken, crunchy Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, carrots and aromatics, all lifted by a soy‑oyster sauce. A complete, quick and flavorful Asian dish, perfect for a balanced dinner.

2 hrs 45 minServes 3$14
Chinese
We can’t stop making this Hibachi Steak + Fried Rice
10

We can’t stop making this Hibachi Steak + Fried Rice

A quick, restaurant‑style hibachi steak served over ultra‑crisp fried rice. The steak is marinated in a savory‑sweet soy‑sesame glaze, while the rice is tossed with onion, garlic, ginger, frozen veggies, eggs and sesame seeds for that authentic take‑out flavor.

40 minServes 2$12
Japanese
Chicken adobo is a top tier comfort meal 🐔
11

Chicken adobo is a top tier comfort meal 🐔

A classic Filipino chicken adobo recipe passed down through generations. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and peppercorns, then seared, simmered, and reduced to a glossy, flavorful sauce. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with scallions for a comforting, one‑pot meal.

2 hrs 10 minServes 4$8
Filipino
Crispy Fried Octopus with Lemon Mayo
3

Crispy Fried Octopus with Lemon Mayo

A crunchy, golden‑fried octopus served with a bright lemon‑mustard mayo. The octopus is first boiled until tender, then coated in a seasoned flour‑egg‑breadcrumb crust and fried to perfection. The tangy sauce adds a fresh finish that balances the spice of chili and turmeric.

60 minServes 2$28
Asian Fusion
THIS is the BEST Fried Cabbage I’ve Ever Had
5

THIS is the BEST Fried Cabbage I’ve Ever Had

A shareable, Cajun‑inspired skillet dish that combines smoky Andouille sausage, jumbo shrimp, tender potatoes, corn, and sautéed cabbage tossed in a buttery, lemon‑y seafood boil sauce. Quick, inexpensive, and perfect as an appetizer or main course.

1 hr 13 minServes 4$35
American (Cajun)
Southern Fried Cabbage
21

Southern Fried Cabbage

A hearty, flavor‑packed Southern‑style fried cabbage tossed with smoky bacon, spicy Andouille sausage, and a punch of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for cold evenings and served over rice or with cornbread.

57 minServes 4$8
Southern United States