Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This shrimp and cabbage recipe is the perfect choice! Combining tender shrimp with savory sautéed cabbage, this dish is nutritious, low-carb, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
One of the best things about shrimp and cabbage is its versatility. You can prepare it garlic butter-style, add spicy Cajun seasoning, or give it an Asian-inspired twist with soy sauce and ginger. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a keto-friendly dish, or a flavorful stir-fry, this recipe can be customized to your taste.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best ingredients for shrimp and cabbage
✅ How to cook shrimp perfectly
✅ Tips for sautéing cabbage to keep it tender-crisp
✅ Delicious variations like spicy, garlicky, and Asian-inspired styles
This dish is simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Shrimp and Cabbage Recipe
To make a delicious and well-balanced shrimp and cabbage dish, you’ll need fresh seafood, crisp cabbage, and flavorful seasonings.
Essential Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Juice of ½ lemon (adds freshness)
For the Cabbage:
- 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (green, red, or Napa cabbage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra aroma)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor:
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (adds sweetness and crunch)
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced (for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for an umami boost)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (for an Asian-inspired twist)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for a spicy kick)
Best Types of Cabbage to Use
Not sure which cabbage to pick? Here’s a breakdown:
- Green cabbage – The most common, slightly sweet and crunchy.
- Red cabbage – Adds color and a slightly stronger taste.
- Napa cabbage – Softer texture, great for stir-frying.
- Savoy cabbage – Mild and tender, works well for sautéing.
How to Make Shrimp and Cabbage
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step process to cook tender shrimp and perfectly sautéed cabbage for a flavorful dish.
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
- Clean the Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Set aside while preparing the cabbage.
- Prepare the Cabbage & Vegetables:
- Thinly slice 4 cups of cabbage.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic and slice any additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat the Pan:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be juicy and tender, not rubbery.
Step 3: Sautéing the Cabbage
- Add More Oil to the Pan:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Garlic & Cabbage:
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced cabbage, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté Until Tender-Crisp:
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is slightly softened but still crisp.
- If using bell peppers or onions, add them now and cook for another 2 minutes.
Tip: For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of soy sauce, lemon juice, or chicken broth.
Step 4: Combining Everything
- Add Shrimp Back to the Pan:
- Toss the cooked shrimp with the sautéed cabbage.
- Stir well and cook for 1–2 more minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Taste & Adjust Seasoning:
- Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp and Cabbage with:
🍚 Steamed rice – Perfect for soaking up the flavors.
🥢 Noodles – Mix with ramen or rice noodles for an Asian twist.
🥑 Avocado slices – Adds creaminess to balance the dish.
🌮 Tortillas – Make shrimp and cabbage tacos!
Your quick, healthy, and flavorful Shrimp and Cabbage is now ready to enjoy!
Variations of Shrimp and Cabbage Recipe
Shrimp and cabbage is a versatile dish, and you can easily customize it with different flavors, seasonings, and cooking styles. Here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cabbage 🧄🧈
For a rich, buttery flavor, this variation is perfect!
How to Make It:
- Replace olive oil with 2 tablespoons butter for a silky, buttery taste.
- Add 4 cloves of garlic instead of 2 for extra garlicky goodness.
- Finish with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for a herby touch.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
🧄 Best Served With: Mashed potatoes or garlic bread!
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Cabbage 🌶️
If you love bold, spicy flavors, this Cajun-inspired version is a must-try!
How to Make It:
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Toss in sliced andouille sausage for a smoky, Louisiana-style dish.
🔥 Best Served With: Cornbread or dirty rice!
3. Asian-Inspired Shrimp and Cabbage 🍜
For a light, umami-packed dish, try this Asian-style stir-fry version.
How to Make It:
- Use soy sauce and sesame oil instead of salt and olive oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger for extra depth.
- Toss in sliced bell peppers and carrots for a colorful stir-fry.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
🥢 Best Served With: Jasmine rice or ramen noodles!
4. Shrimp and Cabbage Stir-Fry 🥘
A quick and easy one-pan meal with a delicious stir-fry twist!
How to Make It:
- Cook everything over high heat for a faster stir-fry effect.
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Include mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy for more vegetables.
🍛 Best Served With: Fried rice or lo mein noodles!
5. Low-Carb/Keto Shrimp and Cabbage 🥗
For a healthy, low-carb version, this is the perfect option!
How to Make It:
- Use butter or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Add extra protein like eggs or chicken.
- Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a low-carb alternative.
🥑 Best Served With: A side of avocado or roasted veggies!
Each of these variations adds a unique twist to classic Shrimp and Cabbage.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Cabbage
To make shrimp and cabbage even more delicious, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, follow these expert tips!
1. Choosing the Right Shrimp 🦐
- Use large shrimp (16/20 count) – They stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
- Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works if thawed properly.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking – This helps get a nice sear.
Tip: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes, then pat them dry before cooking.
2. Cooking Cabbage Properly 🥬
- Don’t overcook! Cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- Cook over medium-high heat for a quick sauté to retain texture.
- Slice cabbage thinly for even cooking.
Tip: If your cabbage is too watery, cook it uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate.
3. Enhancing Flavor with the Right Seasonings
- Garlic and onion powder – Adds a deep, savory taste.
- Cayenne or red pepper flakes – For a little heat!
- Soy sauce and sesame oil – Brings an Asian-inspired twist.
- Lemon juice or vinegar – Balances richness and adds freshness.
Tip: Adding a splash of broth or soy sauce while cooking helps deepen the flavor!
4. Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
- Shrimp cooks in just 1–2 minutes per side – Overcooking makes them rubbery!
- Cook shrimp separately and add them back at the end to avoid overcooking.
Tip: Shrimp should be pink and opaque—remove them from the heat as soon as they are done!
5. Best Side Dishes for Shrimp and Cabbage
- Steamed rice – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Noodles – Great for an Asian-style stir-fry.
- Tortillas – Make shrimp and cabbage tacos!
- Roasted potatoes – A hearty option for garlic butter shrimp.
With these pro tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp and cabbage every time!
FAQs About Shrimp and Cabbage Recipe
Here are answers to common questions to help you perfect your Shrimp and Cabbage every time!
1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly:
- Place shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Tip: Never use warm water to thaw shrimp—it can make them mushy.
2. What Other Vegetables Go Well with Shrimp and Cabbage?
For extra color and flavor, try adding:
- Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Carrots – Slightly sweet and colorful.
- Onions – Enhances savory flavor.
- Mushrooms – Adds an earthy taste.
- Zucchini or bok choy – Great for an Asian-style dish.
3. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Tip: Add a splash of broth or soy sauce when reheating to refresh the flavor!
4. Can I Make This Dish Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Cook with butter or avocado oil for a richer taste.
Tip: This dish is naturally low-carb and high in protein, making it great for keto diets!
5. What Can I Serve with Shrimp and Cabbage?
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed rice – A classic option.
- Lo mein or ramen noodles – Perfect for an Asian twist.
- Cornbread or garlic bread – Great with Cajun flavors.
- Tortillas – For shrimp and cabbage tacos!
These FAQs should help you customize and perfect your Shrimp and Cabbage.
Conclusion
Shrimp and cabbage is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you prefer it garlicky, spicy, or Asian-inspired, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize.
To make the best shrimp and cabbage, remember:
✅ Use large shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
✅ Don’t overcook the shrimp—1–2 minutes per side is enough!
✅ Sauté cabbage over medium-high heat to keep it crisp-tender.
✅ Experiment with variations like garlic butter, Cajun spice, or soy-ginger flavors.
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, tortillas, or even on its own for a low-carb meal. Now that you have step-by-step instructions and pro tips, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking!