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.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Southern fried cabbage, fried shrimp recipe, southern seafood dish, soul food, crispy shrimp, sautéed cabbage