Oh wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: sausage and cabbage stir fry! It’s the perfect blend of savory goodness and crunch, and it comes together in a flash. Seriously, you can whip this up in about 25 minutes, which is a total lifesaver after a long day. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was rummaging through my fridge for something quick and ended up crafting this delightful stir fry. The way the sausage sizzles and the cabbage softens while soaking up that soy sauce is just heavenly! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have lying around. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
For this delicious sausage and cabbage stir fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (I love using Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cups cabbage (shredded—feel free to use green or purple cabbage, whichever you prefer)
- 1 onion (sliced, adds a lovely sweetness to the dish)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, because garlic makes everything better!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (this is where the magic happens, adding that umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing; you can also use sesame oil for a twist)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare the Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
Alright, let’s get cooking! First, grab a large skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil shimmering but not smoking—perfect for sautéing! Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the sliced sausage. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic starts; the aroma fills your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Next, add in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The garlic should be fragrant but not burnt—so keep an eye on it!
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the shredded cabbage. Toss it into the skillet and stir well to combine. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and has a slight crispness left. This is where it really gets exciting as it absorbs all those flavors!
Finally, pour in the soy sauce and give everything a good stir to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila! You’ve got a scrumptious sausage and cabbage stir fry ready to serve hot. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Packed with flavor from the savory sausage and umami-rich soy sauce.
- Nutritious, with plenty of cabbage and protein from the sausage.
- Versatile—feel free to add any leftover veggies you have for extra crunch!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay for simplicity!
- Perfect for meal prep; it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Gluten-free option available—just choose the right soy sauce!
Tips for Success
To make your sausage and cabbage stir fry absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t rush the browning of the sausage. Let it get that nice golden color—this adds incredible flavor, and trust me, it’s so worth the extra minute or two!
If you want a little extra depth, consider adding a splash of sesame oil along with the olive oil. It gives a wonderful nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. And speaking of ingredients, feel free to mix up the sausage type! I love using spicy sausage for a kick, but you can go with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Also, remember to cut your cabbage into even-sized pieces. This helps it cook uniformly, ensuring that some bits aren’t mushy while others stay crunchy. And if you like your cabbage with a bit more bite, you can add it a couple of minutes after the onion and garlic, allowing it to maintain some of that crisp texture!
Lastly, when it comes to seasoning, taste as you go! Everyone’s salt preference is different, so sprinkle in your salt and pepper gradually until it’s just right. This dish is all about balance, and finding that perfect flavor will make your stir fry truly shine!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit, there are so many fun variations for this sausage and cabbage stir fry! One of my favorites is adding in some bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color and sweetness. Just slice them thin and toss them in with the onions and garlic for a few extra minutes of cooking. If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick!
For a more Asian twist, try adding some ginger along with the garlic and a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. You could also throw in some snap peas or bok choy at the end for that fresh crunch. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top just before serving can elevate the flavors beautifully. Get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover sausage and cabbage stir fry is super simple! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it should last for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. For the best texture, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help steam it and bring back that freshness. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutritional information for this sausage and cabbage stir fry, keep in mind that values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I won’t provide exact numbers here, you can expect a hearty meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling option. If you’re looking to adjust the dish for dietary needs, swapping out the sausage type or using less oil can make a difference. Always feel free to check labels for the most accurate information tailored to your ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sausage for this stir fry?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you like, whether it’s spicy Italian, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options. Just remember that each type will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so choose one that suits your taste!
Can I add more vegetables to the sausage and cabbage stir fry?
Yes, definitely! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything cooks evenly!
How do I know when the cabbage is done cooking?
You’ll want to cook the cabbage until it’s tender but still has a little crunch. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally and taste a piece to see if it’s to your liking!
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, this sausage and cabbage stir fry is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge for a few days, and just reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this sausage and cabbage stir fry! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you add your own twist? Rate the recipe and share your experience! Your feedback means the world to me and helps fellow cooks discover this delicious dish. So, let’s keep the conversation going—happy cooking!
Print
Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry: 7 Steps to Pure Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy sausage and cabbage stir fry packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add cabbage and stir well.
- Pour in soy sauce, stir to combine.
- Cook until cabbage is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- This dish is great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sausage and cabbage stir fry