Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon fat
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Prepare Shrimp: Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
2. Chop Vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the celery.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

3. Sear Shrimp: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables

4. Saute Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Saute the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced celery until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
5. Add Cabbage: Incorporate the thinly sliced cabbage into the pan. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.

Step 4: Season and Cook

6. Seasoning: Season the cabbage mixture with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
7. Cook Until Tender: Continue to cook the cabbage mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with Shrimp

8. Add Shrimp Back In: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Stir well to combine with the cabbage mixture and let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve

9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Southern Fried Cabbage with Shrimp with chopped green onions. Serve it hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Check also How to make Peach Cobbler 

Tips:

• Bacon Variation: For added flavor, you can start by cooking a few strips of bacon in the pan. Remove the cooked bacon, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the dish before serving.
• Adjust Heat: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve Over Rice: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a side of cornbread.