THIS is the BEST Fried Cabbage I’ve Ever Had

THIS is the BEST Fried Cabbage I’ve Ever Had is a medium American (Cajun) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min

Cost: $35.26 total, $8.82 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 head Green Cabbage (core removed, diced into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 12 oz Andouille Sausage (smoked, sliced into half‑moon pieces)
  • 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails left on)
  • 1.5 lb Red Potatoes (quartered, par‑boiled until fork‑tender)
  • 2 ears Corn on the Cob (cut into 2‑inch ribs, added to boiling water near end of par‑cook)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (high smoke‑point oil for sautéing)
  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces, added off heat)
  • 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 Tbsp Zatarain's Crab & Shrimp Boil Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Buttery Garlic Pepper Seasoning (or any garlic‑pepper blend)
  • 0.75 cup Water or Chicken Broth (for sauce base)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Remove the core from the cabbage and dice it into 1‑inch pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the corn kernels off the cob into 2‑inch ribs. Quarter the potatoes. Set everything aside.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Par‑boil Potatoes and Corn

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered potatoes and cook 8‑10 minutes until just fork‑tender. Add the corn ribs during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Slice Sausage and Prepare Shrimp

    Slice the Andouille sausage into half‑moon pieces about ½‑inch thick. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Brown Sausage

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Sear Shrimp

    Push the sausage to one side (or remove to a plate). Add the shrimp to the rendered fat and sear for 1‑2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and develop light color. Remove shrimp and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Cook Cabbage

    Add the diced cabbage to the skillet with the sausage fat. Stir to coat, then cover with a lid and let steam for 6‑8 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the cabbage softens but still has bite.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Make Seafood Boil Sauce

    In a separate saucepan, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Zatarain's seasoning, chicken bouillon, paprika, Cajun seasoning, buttery garlic pepper seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in ¾‑1 cup water or broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and turn off the burner. Slowly whisk in the butter pieces until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Optional: swirl in a splash of cream for extra richness.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Combine All Ingredients

    Return the browned sausage and seared shrimp to the skillet with the cabbage. Add the par‑boiled potatoes and corn. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stir gently to coat, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  9. Finish and Serve

    Remove the lid, give the dish one final stir, and taste for seasoning. Serve hot directly from the skillet, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if seasoning blends are certified), High‑Protein

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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THIS is the BEST Fried Cabbage I’ve Ever Had

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

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.

MediumAmerican (Cajun)Serves 4

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

Source Video
25m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$35.26
Total cost
$8.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the Andouille sausage to render flavorful fat.
  • Emulsify butter into the sauce without overheating.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they finish cooking in the final simmer.
  • Cover the cabbage to steam it properly and prevent burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep face away and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the skillet with oven‑mitts; handles become very hot.
  • Ensure shrimp are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a seafood boil fried cabbage in Cajun cuisine?

A

Seafood boils are a staple of Louisiana Cajun and Creole gatherings, originally a communal way to cook shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes over an open fire. Adding fried cabbage creates a portable, shareable twist that mimics the traditional boil while using a single skillet for convenience.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of seafood boil exist in the Southern United States?

A

In coastal Louisiana, the classic boil uses crab, crawfish, and Andouille sausage with generous seasoning. Inland versions may swap crab for shrimp or add smoked turkey. Some families add okra or tomatoes, while others serve the boil over rice instead of with cabbage.

cultural
Q

How is seafood boil traditionally served in Cajun culture?

A

Traditionally the boil is dumped onto a newspaper‑covered table and eaten with the hands, often accompanied by melted butter, lemon wedges, and hot sauce. The cabbage‑fried version keeps the communal feel but lets diners scoop portions with a fork or spoon.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a seafood boil fried cabbage associated with in Louisiana?

A

Seafood boils are popular at Mardi Mardi celebrations, family reunions, fishing festivals, and casual weekend gatherings. The fried‑cabbage version is especially favored for indoor parties where a full outdoor boil isn’t practical.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a Cajun seafood boil and what can be substituted?

A

Key ingredients are Andouille sausage, shrimp (or crawfish), corn, potatoes, and a robust Cajun seasoning blend. Substitutes include smoked kielbasa for sausage, large peeled shrimp for crawfish, and Old Bay seasoning in place of Zatarain’s.

cultural
Q

What other Cajun dishes pair well with seafood boil fried cabbage?

A

Serve it alongside classic sides like red beans and rice, cornbread, or a simple coleslaw. A chilled glass of iced tea or a light lager balances the heat of the Cajun spices.

cultural
Q

How has the viral TikTok version of seafood boil fried cabbage evolved from the traditional recipe?

A

The TikTok trend popularized the one‑pan, cabbage‑filled presentation for easy sharing and visual appeal. It streamlines the traditional multi‑pot boil by cooking everything together, making it faster and more accessible for home cooks while retaining the core flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making seafood boil fried cabbage?

A

Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, letting the sauce get too hot and separate, and steaming the cabbage for too long which makes it mushy. Also, failing to render enough sausage fat can leave the dish bland.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe add butter off the heat when making the seafood boil sauce?

A

Adding butter off the heat prevents the milk solids from scorching and allows the butter to emulsify smoothly with the acidic lemon and broth, creating a silky sauce rather than a greasy, separated one.

technical
Q

Can I make the seafood boil fried cabbage ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and par‑boil the vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat in the skillet before serving.

technical
Q

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

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on quick, budget‑friendly, and viral‑trend recipes that are easy for home cooks to replicate, often adding practical hacks and clear step‑by‑step explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes minimal equipment, cost‑effective ingredient swaps, and shareable presentation styles, whereas many traditional Cajun channels showcase larger, outdoor boil setups and more elaborate seasoning blends.

channel

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