Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this Keto Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage, a vibrant and hearty meal perfect for any night. The tender cabbage bowls cradle a spicy, savory filling that combines succulent shrimp and smoky sausage, creating a satisfying low-carb dinner that’s bursting with texture and taste.
This recipe brings together the warmth of Cajun spices and the freshness of simple ingredients in a dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Whether you’re following keto or just love a flavorful twist on classic stuffed cabbage, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.
- Combines rich Cajun seasoning with fresh shrimp and sausage for a deliciously bold flavor.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly, making it ideal for healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
- Easy to prepare and bake, with an impressive presentation that makes meal time exciting.
Ingredients
- Green Cabbages: Two medium heads, hollowed out to create perfect bowls for stuffing with a tender yet firm texture.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Two tablespoons for greasing the cabbage and enhancing flavor with healthy fats.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing and elevating all the spices and ingredients in the dish.
- Smoked Sausage: Twelve ounces of turkey, chicken, or beef sausage sliced for a smoky, hearty component.
- Shrimp: Half a pound, peeled and deveined, offering a succulent seafood element rich in protein.
- Chopped Onion: Half a cup, providing sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Diced Red and Green Bell Peppers: Half a cup combined, adding color and a mild crunch.
- Minced Garlic: Two cloves for aromatic pungency that enhances the Cajun blend.
- Olive Oil or Bacon-Fat Alternative: Two tablespoons to sauté the filling ingredients with a flavorful base fat.
- Cajun Seasoning: One teaspoon, delivering the signature spicy, smoky, and herby Cajun profile.
- Paprika: Half a teaspoon for sweet and smoky undertones complementing the filling.
- Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon for an extra layer of mellow garlic flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Quarter teaspoon optional, to add heat according to your spice tolerance.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: Half a cup optional for a melty, rich topping inside the cabbage bowls.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cabbage Bowls
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the cabbages carefully and hollow out their centers to create room for the filling. Then, rub the insides with olive oil or butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper to season the cabbage, and place them in a baking dish. This step ensures the cabbages remain moist and flavorful during baking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or bacon fat alternative. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and release their sweet and savory aromas. This builds a flavorful foundation that complements the proteins perfectly.
- Cook Sausage and Shrimp with Cajun Spices
Add sliced smoked sausage to the skillet, browning it to enhance its smokiness. Then stir in the shrimp and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, plus salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and everything is well combined, ensuring a lively and spicy filling.
- Stuff the Cabbage Bowls
Generously spoon the shrimp and sausage mixture into each hollowed cabbage. If desired, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside each bowl for a gooey, cheesy texture. This stuffing creates a hearty, satisfying center to the soft cabbage.
- Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, giving the cabbage time to soften without drying out. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to develop a beautifully roasted finish, adding an enticing aroma and texture.
- Garnish and Serve
After baking, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of freshness. Slice the cabbage bowls into wedges to serve. Enjoy the comforting blend of smoky, spicy filling wrapped in tender cabbage.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level and suit your spice preference.
- This dish keeps well and can be made ahead, allowing flavors to meld before reheating.
- Feel free to experiment by adding other keto-friendly vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the filling.
Storage Tips
Store leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture or in the microwave for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this keto Cajun stuffed cabbage with a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon can add a pleasant contrast to the spicy filling.
- When hollowing out the cabbage, save the core and chopped leaves to sauté with the filling for zero waste.
- Use smoked sausage for added depth of flavor; turkey or chicken sausage are excellent lean alternatives.
- To enhance moisture, brush a bit of olive oil on the cabbage tops before baking uncovered.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage is preferred for its firmness, but savoy or napa cabbage may be used though they are more delicate.
- Is this dish suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely, this recipe is low in carbs and high in fat and protein, perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
- Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
Yes, chicken or turkey can replace shrimp for a different yet complementary flavor.
- How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe offers moderate heat that can be adjusted by varying the cayenne pepper amount or omitting it completely.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of cabbage changes post-thaw. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
- What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar both melt beautifully; choose based on your preference for mild or sharp flavors.
- Is there a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian option, replace sausage and shrimp with seasoned mushrooms and tofu or tempeh for texture.
Keto Cajun Shrimp Sausage Cabbage
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 medium green cabbages
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz smoked sausage turkey, chicken, or beef
- ½ lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup diced red and green bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon-fat alternative
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the cabbages and hollow out the centers to create bowls.
- Rub the inside of each cabbage with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.
- Heat oil or bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, then stir in shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 2–3 minutes.
- Fill each cabbage bowl evenly with the shrimp and sausage mixture and add cheese inside if desired.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 40–50 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to develop a roasted finish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, slice into wedges, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by modifying cayenne pepper amount.
- Dish can be prepared ahead and reheated.
- Add other vegetables for variation.
