🦐🔥Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Cabbage Cups🍤🥬
Tender roasted cabbage bowls stuffed with bold Cajun shrimp, smoky sausage, and sweet peppers. This low-carb comfort dish is hearty, flavorful, and totally unforgettable.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Cups:
2 small/medium green cabbage heads (or 4 large halves)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
12 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ stick (4 tbsp) butter
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama or Old Bay)
½ cup chicken broth (for baking dish)
👨🍳 How to Make It
1️⃣ Prep the Cabbage:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut cabbage tops or halves and hollow out centers to form deep “cups.” Brush inside and out with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Roast the Cups:
Place cabbage in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth around the base to steam while baking. Roast uncovered for 20–25 min until softened and lightly charred.
3️⃣ Cook the Filling:
In a hot skillet, brown the sausage and set aside. Sauté onion and peppers in leftover fat for 5 min, then add garlic. Stir in shrimp, butter, and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp is pink. Return sausage to pan and mix well.
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
Spoon filling into roasted cabbage cups, piling it high. Return to oven for another 10–15 min until sizzling and cabbage is tender.
5️⃣ Serve Hot:
Drizzle with pan juices and top with chopped herbs if desired. Best served fresh and hot!
⏱ Quick Info
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total: 55 min
Servings: 4
Ever since I discovered this amazing recipe for Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Cabbage Cups, it’s been a staple in my kitchen! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also hits that sweet spot of being healthy and satisfying. If you’re looking for a meal that feels indulgent without the guilt, you’ve found it. I love sharing my personal tips to make this dish even better, so let's dive in! Tips for Perfect Roasted Cabbage Cups The foundation of this dish is those perfectly roasted cabbage cups. Getting them just right is crucial! I've found that using small to medium-sized green cabbage heads works best, as they tend to be more tender and easier to hollow out. Don't be afraid to give them a good brush with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper – it really makes a difference in flavor. When hollowing them out, be careful not to go too thin on the bottom, as you want them sturdy enough to hold the filling. The chicken broth in the baking dish is genius; it creates a steamy environment that helps soften the cabbage beautifully without drying it out. I sometimes even add a splash of white wine to the broth for an extra layer of flavor! Keep an eye on them during the first roast; you want them softened with a slight char, not mushy. Elevating Your Shrimp and Sausage Filling The savory mixture of seasoned shrimp, sliced sausage, diced red and green bell peppers, and onions is truly the star here. For the shrimp, always go for peeled and deveined to save prep time. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear. As for the sausage, while Andouille or Kielbasa are traditional and fantastic, don't hesitate to experiment! I've used chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version, and even a spicy Italian sausage when I want an extra kick. Browning the sausage first creates a wonderful fond in the pan, which then flavors the onions and peppers. When adding the garlic, be sure not to burn it – just a minute or so until fragrant is perfect. And that Cajun seasoning? It's what ties all the flavors together, giving the juicy shrimp and smoky sausage that irresistible depth. Making It Your Own: Variations and Additions One of the best things about this garlic shrimp and sausage cabbage cups recipe is how adaptable it is. While the core ingredients are fantastic, don't hesitate to personalize it! I often throw in extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of fresh spinach right before returning the sausage to the pan. If you like a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Cajun seasoning works wonders. For a creamier texture, a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream can be stirred into the filling just before assembling. Some friends love a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top during the final bake, which melts beautifully and adds a cheesy crust. These simple tweaks can make the dish feel brand new each time! Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep These hearty cabbage cups are a complete meal on their own, especially given how low-carb and satisfying they are. However, if you're serving a larger crowd or just want to round out the meal, they pair wonderfully with a simple side. A light green salad with a vinaigrette, cauliflower rice, or even a crusty piece of bread to sop up those delicious pan juices would be perfect. For meal prep, you can cook the filling entirely ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, when you're ready to eat, simply roast your cabbage cups, heat up the filling, spoon it in, and give it that final bake. It makes weeknight dinners incredibly easy and ensures you always have a healthy, flavorful option ready to go!
