Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on nutrition?
Enter the sausage and cabbage stir fry – a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.
With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal bursting with smoky sausage flavor, tender-crisp cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce that ties it all together.
Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto-friendly, or budget-conscious meal plan, this recipe is a must-try.
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious stir fry, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sausage: Smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage work great.
- Cabbage: Green or purple cabbage, thinly sliced.
- Aromatics: Garlic (minced) and onion (sliced) for flavor.
- Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil for cooking.
- Optional Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Sauce Ingredients:
- Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- Sesame oil
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional for spice)
- Honey or a low-carb sweetener (optional for balance)
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation:
- Slice the sausage: Cut it into bite-sized rounds or strips.
- Chop the vegetables: Thinly slice cabbage, onion, and any optional veggies for even cooking.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and any sweeteners or spices in a small bowl.
Cooking:
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and cook the sausage until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics:
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cabbage:
- Toss in the cabbage and cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens but retains a slight crunch. Add optional veggies if using.
- Combine everything:
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for extra flair.
Tips for Customizing Your Stir Fry
Make this stir fry your own with these variations:
- Protein Swaps: Use chicken, shrimp, ground beef, or tofu instead of sausage.
- Veggie Additions: Try broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
Why This Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a Healthy Choice
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is perfect for low-carb or keto diets.
- High in Nutrients: Cabbage provides vitamin C and antioxidants, while sausage adds a hearty protein boost.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients make this meal easy on the wallet.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy this dish:
- On Its Own: This stir fry is filling enough to be a standalone meal.
- Over a Base: Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- With Garnishes: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh herbs like parsley, or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the stir fry and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture. Avoid overcooking to keep the cabbage crisp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or turkey sausage are great options for this recipe.
Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 (400g) medium cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 (150g) medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 150g medium bell pepper optional (sliced)
- 1 100g medium carrot optional (julienned)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or a low-carb sweetener, optional
- Pinch of chili flakes optional for spice
Instructions
Preparation:
- Slice the sausage: Cut it into bite-sized rounds or strips.
- Chop the vegetables: Thinly slice cabbage, onion, and any optional veggies for even cooking.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and any sweeteners or spices in a small bowl.
Cooking:
Brown the sausage:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and cook the sausage until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Cook the aromatics:
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cabbage:
- Toss in the cabbage and cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens but retains a slight crunch. Add optional veggies if using.
Combine everything:
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for extra flair.