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Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp

Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp

Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp is a hearty and comforting Southern soul food dish featuring tender sautéed cabbage paired with golden, crispy fried shrimp. This easy-to-make recipe balances bold flavors, textures, and nutrition for a satisfying meal that’s perfect any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Shrimp & Coating

  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Fats & Broth

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil) for frying shrimp
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Coat each shrimp evenly with the mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Cook the Cabbage: Add shredded cabbage to the skillet with the aromatics and toss well to coat everything in butter. Pour in chicken broth, cover the skillet, and cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender yet still crisp.
  4. Combine and Season: Return the fried shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the cabbage. Season with salt, pepper, and additional cayenne or paprika if you want a bit more heat. Cook together for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Serve Hot: Remove from heat and transfer the Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp to a warm serving dish. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating for better crispiness.
  • Fry shrimp in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent.
  • Choose fresh cabbage and shrimp for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually to find your preferred spice level.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if possible for even heating and superior frying results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern fried cabbage, fried shrimp recipe, southern seafood dish, soul food, crispy shrimp, sautéed cabbage