Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the cabbage:
2 medium green cabbages
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the filling:
12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
½ cup onion, chopped
½ cup bell peppers (red & green), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for spice)
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
Prepare the cabbage bowls:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice off the tops of the cabbages and carefully core out the centers to make room for stuffing.
Rub insides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a baking dish.
Cook the filling:
In a skillet, heat olive oil or bacon fat.
Sauté onion, peppers, and garlic until softened.
Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
Toss in shrimp, season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt & pepper.
Cook until shrimp turn pink (2–3 minutes).
Stuff the cabbages:
Spoon shrimp & sausage mixture into each cabbage.
If using cheese, sprinkle inside before finishing with filling.
Bake:
Cover dish loosely with foil. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
Remove foil, bake an additional 10 minutes for a roasted finish.
Serve:
Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Slice wedges out of the cabbage bowls and enjoy hot.
Nutrition (per serving, ¼ stuffed cabbage)
Calories: ~420
Net Carbs: ~7g
Protein: ~28g
This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb, protein-packed meal that combines bold flavors with nutritious ingredients. Personally, I find the balance between the smoky andouille or kielbasa sausage and the tender shrimp elevated by the fragrant Cajun seasoning to be really comforting and exciting. The preparation of the cabbage bowls is a clever alternative to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, offering a rustic and convenient presentation that's both fun and easy for serving guests or family. When making this dish, I like to enhance the filling by sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re nicely caramelized, which deepens the flavor and adds sweetness that complements the spicy Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Adding a bit of bacon fat instead of olive oil can also impart a subtle smoky richness, but olive oil works well for a lighter taste. Baking the stuffed cabbage covered ensures the cabbage softens perfectly without drying out the filling, while removing the foil toward the end crisps the edges, offering a delightful textural contrast. Sprinkling cheese inside before finishing the stuffing adds a creamy layer that melts beautifully, making each bite more indulgent. For those mindful of nutrition, this dish delivers approximately 420 calories and 28 grams of protein per serving, making it excellent for muscle repair and sustained energy. The low net carb count of about 7 grams suits low-carb or keto diet preferences without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. To personalize this recipe, I sometimes add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley directly into the filling or on top before serving, which brightens the dish. Serving it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely. Overall, this Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together Southern-inspired spices and hearty ingredients in an approachable format. It’s perfect for those who love hearty comfort food with a spicy kick and want to experiment with creative, healthful cabbage recipes.
