Best Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
This Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful 30-minute dinner with smoky browned kielbasa, tender-crisp cabbage, and onions finished with a bright splash of vinegar. It’s a simple skillet meal that’s cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
1 small head green cabbage (about 8 cups), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped into ½-inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons water, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and 1–2 tablespoons water. Stir occasionally until softened, scraping up browned bits.
3. Add garlic, cabbage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add 2–3 tablespoons water, cover, and cook 8–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender-crisp.
4. Return sausage to the pan, stir in vinegar, and heat through for 2 minutes. Uncover and increase heat if needed to evaporate extra liquid. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Slice the sausage evenly so it browns instead of steaming.
Cabbage cooks down a lot—don’t worry if the pan looks full at first.
Add more vinegar or a pinch of salt at the end to brighten flavors.
Find it online: https://www.musttryrecipe.com/sausage-and-cabbage-stir-fry/