30-MINUTE SAUSAGE CABBAGE STIR-FRY

I still remember the first time I made anything close to this. It was a weeknight, I was staring into a nearly empty fridge, and the only things staring back were a lonely head of cabbage and half a package of sausage. That night, necessity birthed a surprisingly delicious meal, and it’s evolved over the years into my go-to for busy evenings. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry (30-Minutes) you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Let’s be honest, weeknight dinners can be a real drag. The pressure to get something healthy, tasty, and (most importantly) quick on the table is intense. But what if I told you that you could have a satisfying, flavor-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes? That’s where this Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry comes in. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a weeknight savior!

Here’s why I think you’ll fall head-over-heels for this dish:

• It’s Fast: Seriously, from fridge to table in half an hour. Perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
• It’s Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and sausage are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a meal that’s easy on the wallet.
• It’s Versatile: You can customize it to your heart’s content! Add different veggies, change up the sausage, or experiment with various sauces.
• It’s Healthy(ish!): Packed with veggies and protein, this stir-fry is a much better option than takeout.
• It’s Delicious: Let’s not forget the most important part! The savory sausage, slightly sweet cabbage, and flavorful sauce create a truly irresistible combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet!

• 1 pound Sausage: I prefer using Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference), but any type of sausage will work. Kielbasa, Andouille, or even chicken sausage are all great options.
• 1 medium head of Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use savoy cabbage or even red cabbage for a pop of color.
• 1 medium Onion: Yellow or white onion will do the trick.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced is always best for maximum flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce: This is optional, but it adds a wonderful savory sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! This adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).
• 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry on the table in no time.

1. Prepare the Sausage: Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using Italian sausage, you can remove it from the casings first.
2. Prep the Veggies: Core the cabbage and thinly slice it. You want it to be about ¼ inch thick. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will make the whole process much smoother.
3. Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Don’t clean the skillet yet – all those browned bits add tons of flavor!
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Add the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. It will shrink down considerably as it cooks.
6. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the cabbage and stir well to coat. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Success Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

Want to guarantee a perfect Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry every time? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re using a small skillet, cook the sausage and cabbage in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps the ingredients stay crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and lose its flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes to suit your personal preferences.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best served fresh. The longer they sit, the more the cabbage will soften and the flavors will become muted.

Variations and Add-Ins to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Sausages: As I mentioned before, you can use any type of sausage you like. Chorizo would add a smoky, spicy kick. Chicken apple sausage would add a touch of sweetness.
• Other Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Protein Power: Add some tofu or eggs to increase the protein content.
• Spice It Up: If you like it hot, add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even a chopped chili pepper.
• Sweet and Sour: Add a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a sweet and sour twist.
• Add some Rice: Serve over rice to make it a hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

• Rice: Serve it over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice.
• Noodles: Toss it with your favorite noodles for a satisfying noodle bowl.
• Egg Rolls: Serve it alongside some crispy egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
• Soup: Pair it with a light soup, such as egg drop soup or miso soup.
• Salad: Serve it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Making it Ahead and Storing Leftovers

While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time during the week.

• Prep Ahead: Slice the cabbage, dice the onion, and mince the garlic ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can also slice the sausage ahead of time.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftover Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The cabbage may soften slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Other Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, here are a few other recipes that I think you’ll enjoy. Have you ever tried Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight? It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Or perhaps you might enjoy a Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl. The homemade teriyaki sauce is incredible.

Recipe Card: Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry (30-Minutes)

Here’s the recipe card for easy reference:

Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry (30-Minutes)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Sausage, sliced
• 1 medium head of Cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, sriracha

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour the sauce over the cabbage and stir well to coat. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha, if desired. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts: Your New Weeknight Staple

There you have it! A delicious, quick, and easy Quick Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy! I promise, this will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

30-Minute Sausage Cabbage Stir-Fry

This quick and easy sausage and cabbage stir-fry is a perfect weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying and healthy(ish!) alternative to takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot
• 1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil vegetable, canola, or peanut
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions for garnish optional
• Sriracha for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Lid for skillet or wok

Method

 

1. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. If using Italian sausage, remove it from the casings first.
2. Core the cabbage and thinly slice it. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet.
6. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
8. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. It will shrink down considerably as it cooks.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
10. Pour the sauce over the cabbage and stir well to coat.
11. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
12. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
13. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
14. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. High heat is key for stir-frying. Adjust the sauce ingredients to your preference. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly. Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. Serve over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.