Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry: Quick, Flavorful 25-Min Meal

August 19, 2025

Sausage cabbage stir fry has become my go-to weeknight wonder, and I’m so excited to share this simple recipe with you! I first discovered how amazing this combo could be on a super busy Tuesday. The aroma of the smoky sausage hitting the hot pan, followed by the crisp snap of fresh cabbage, was just incredible. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that genuinely comes together in a flash, making it the perfect easy sausage cabbage stir fry for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Here’s why it’s a winner:

Incredibly flavorful and satisfying
Perfect for a quick dinner solution
Uses simple, common ingredients
It’s an easy sausage cabbage stir fry that anyone can make
Clean-up is a breeze with this one-pan sausage and cabbage stir fry
It’s versatile – swap out the sausage or veggies easily
A truly quick sausage and cabbage stir fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes
Hearty enough to be a complete meal

Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry Ingredients

Gathering your sausage cabbage stir fry ingredients is the first step to this delicious meal. You’ll need the star of the show, 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; I love using smoked sausage for that extra depth of flavor. Then, we have 1 small head green cabbage, cored and sliced, which cooks down beautifully to a tender-crisp texture. For aromatics, grab 1 medium onion, thinly sliced and 2 cloves garlic, minced. We’ll also use 2 medium carrots, julienned for a bit of sweetness and color. For that perfect stir-fry base, you’ll need 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for a little warmth. A pinch of salt to taste will round everything out. These simple components come together to create a truly satisfying meal.

How to Make Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

Learning how to make sausage cabbage stir fry is surprisingly simple, and this one-pan sausage and cabbage stir fry means minimal cleanup! It’s a fantastic way to get a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table fast.

Step 1: Get your skillet nice and hot! Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 2: Brown the sausage. Add the 12 oz sliced smoked sausage to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and has a delicious aroma. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – that’s where the flavor is!), add the 1 medium thinly sliced onion and 2 julienned carrots. Stir fry these for 2-3 minutes until they just start to soften.
Step 4: Add the cabbage and garlic. Toss in the 1 small head sliced green cabbage and 2 minced garlic cloves. Continue to stir fry for 5-6 minutes. You want the cabbage to become tender but still have a slight crispness – a lovely texture that makes this sausage and cabbage skillet meal so satisfying.
Step 5: Bring it all together. Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir everything together well. Taste and add salt to taste if needed – remember, the sausage is often salty already! Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the sausage is heated through and everything is coated in that savory sauce.
Step 6: Serve it up! This quick sausage and cabbage stir fry is best served immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you have them, for a pop of freshness.

Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry: Quick, Flavorful 25-Min Meal - Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

Want to elevate your stir fry game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish even more amazing. These simple tips help ensure a perfect result every time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the sausage or vegetables. This allows them to brown properly instead of steaming.
Use a hot skillet! A searing hot pan is key for achieving that delicious caramelization on the cabbage and sausage.
Taste as you go. Sausages vary in saltiness, so adjust the added salt and soy sauce accordingly.
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce or a dash of fish sauce along with the soy sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect sausage and cabbage stir fry?

The real secret to a perfect pork sausage cabbage stir fry is high heat and not overcooking the cabbage. You want it tender yet still retaining a slight crispness for the best texture. Browning the sausage well also adds immense flavor. For more tips on achieving perfect stir-fry textures, check out this guide on roasting vegetables.

Can I make sausage and cabbage stir fry ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep ingredients ahead. Slice your sausage, onion, carrots, and cabbage up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sausage cabbage stir fry?

The biggest mistake is using a pan that’s not hot enough, leading to soggy vegetables. Also, be careful not to overcook the cabbage; it should still have a bit of bite. Finally, remember that smoked sausage is often pre-seasoned, so taste before adding too much extra salt.

Best Ways to Serve Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

This versatile sausage cabbage stir fry is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few complementary sides. For a complete meal, I love serving it over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up all those delicious savory juices from the stir fry beautifully. If you’re looking for a different carb option, this stir fry is also fantastic tossed with noodles. Try it with ramen noodles or even spaghetti for a fun twist on a sausage cabbage stir fry with noodles! It’s a hearty and satisfying combination that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. You might also enjoy this Korean BBQ Meatballs recipe for another flavorful weeknight option.

Nutrition Facts for Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

This sausage cabbage stir fry is a satisfying meal, and here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving. These figures help you understand the profile of this delicious dish.

Calories: 320cal
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources on balanced meal planning.

Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry: Quick, Flavorful 25-Min Meal - Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

Leftovers of this delicious sausage and cabbage skillet meal are fantastic, but proper storage is key to maintaining its quality. Once cooked, let the stir fry cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store this sausage cabbage stir fry in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but stirring halfway through will help distribute the heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry

Is this a healthy sausage cabbage stir fry?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic option for a healthy sausage cabbage stir fry because it’s packed with vegetables and lean protein from the sausage. By focusing on fresh ingredients and a simple cooking method, it’s a balanced meal that tastes great and makes you feel good. You can easily control the sodium by choosing lower-sodium sausage and soy sauce.

Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can! While smoked sausage is my favorite for its rich flavor, feel free to experiment. Pork sausage cabbage stir fry works wonderfully, as does chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try andouille sausage for a spicier kick, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just slice it and follow the same cooking steps! You might also like this Turkey Meatloaf recipe for another versatile protein option.

How can I make this a quick sausage and cabbage stir fry if I’m really short on time?

To make this an even quicker sausage and cabbage stir fry, utilize pre-shredded cabbage and pre-sliced carrots from the grocery store. You can also buy pre-minced garlic. This cuts down on prep time significantly, allowing you to get dinner on the table even faster. Just remember that pre-shredded cabbage can cook down more quickly, so keep an eye on its texture!

What vegetables pair well with sausage and cabbage?

While cabbage is the star, this stir fry is super adaptable. Bell peppers (any color!), broccoli florets, snow peas, or even a handful of spinach added at the end are all delicious additions. They add extra color, nutrients, and texture to your sausage cabbage stir fry, making it even more of a complete meal. For more vegetable inspiration, explore a variety of recipes.

Variations of Sausage Cabbage Stir Fry You Can Try

This sausage cabbage stir fry is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas I’ve tried that were delicious!

Spicy Kick: For an amazing andouille sausage cabbage stir fry, swap the smoked sausage for spicy andouille sausage. Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the soy sauce in Step 5 for an extra layer of heat.
Smoky Flavor Boost: If you adore that deep, smoky taste, using a good quality smoked sausage cabbage stir fry is essential. Sometimes, I even add a tiny bit of liquid smoke (just a drop or two!) to the sauce for an intensified smoky aroma.
Lighter Option: Swap out the smoked sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. This makes for a slightly lighter meal, but you’ll still get all the fantastic vegetable flavors. Just ensure the chicken or turkey sausage is fully cooked.
Sauce Variations: Don’t be afraid to play with the sauce! A tablespoon of oyster sauce or a dash of hoisin sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor. For a sweeter profile, a touch of honey or brown sugar can be nice.