Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry! It’s one of those deeply satisfying dishes you’ll want on repeat: smoky sausage, crisp-tender cabbage, and vibrant veggies tossed in a savory sauce with just a hint of sweetness and spice. Not only does it bring together wholesome flavors and beautiful textures, but it’s also a champion of fuss-free cooking—perfect for busy nights, last-minute guests, or when you simply crave something hearty, colorful, and homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry relies on humble, everyday ingredients that work in delicious harmony. Each one brings something special, whether it’s smokiness, crunch, sweetness, or a welcome pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

• Smoked sausage (200g/7 oz): The heart of our dish, lending rich, savory flavor and satisfying bites in every forkful.
• Cabbage (1 medium, about 400g): Thinly sliced for tenderness and crunch—it soaks up the sauce and ties everything together.
• Onion (1 medium, about 150g): Brings a sweet, aromatic depth as it caramelizes with the garlic.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Packs a punch of flavor and aroma that wakes up the whole stir fry.
• Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tbsp): Helps everything sizzle; both add subtle flavor and keep ingredients from sticking.
• Bell pepper (1 medium, 150g, optional): For a sweet, colorful crunch—use red, yellow, or orange for vibrancy.
• Carrot (1 medium, 100g, optional): Adds subtle sweetness, extra color, and a tender bite when julienned.
• Soy sauce or tamari (2 tbsp): Infuses everything with an umami-packed, salty kick; tamari keeps it gluten-free.
• Sesame oil (1 tsp): Just a drizzle for toasty, nutty undertones that make the flavors pop.
• Honey or low-carb sweetener (1 tsp, optional): A hint of sweetness to balance out the savory and spice.
• Chili flakes (pinch, optional): For a gentle warmth and kick—adjust to your spice-loving heart’s content.

How to Make Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Slice and Prep

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your veggies and sausage. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds or strips—whatever suits your mood. Thinly slice the cabbage and onion to ensure everything cooks evenly. If you’re tossing in carrot or bell pepper, slice and julienne them now as well. Having everything ready will make the stir fry process both fast and fun.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Set up a small bowl and combine the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, honey (or chosen sweetener), and a pinch of chili flakes if using. Give it a good stir. This simple sauce brings the Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry together, balancing salty, sweet, and spicy with a nutty finish.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet or wok on medium-high, then drizzle in your oil of choice. Add the sliced sausage and let it cook until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges. This step unlocks the sausage’s flavor and creates irresistible caramelized bits. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to set the sausage aside—leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Toss the minced garlic and sliced onion into the same hot pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until they’re fragrant and the onion is starting to become translucent. The aroma that fills your kitchen? Absolutely dreamy—this builds the irresistible base of flavors in your Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry.

Step 5: Cook the Veggies

Next, add the thinly sliced cabbage and, if you’re feeling it, the bell pepper and julienned carrot. Stir everything to combine. Let the veggies cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften but still have a touch of crunchy freshness—it gives the dish wonderful texture and body.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the crispy sausage to your pan, then pour the sauce all over. Stir thoroughly to coat every ingredient in delicious, glossy flavor. Let it all cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sausage to heat through and the flavors to blend beautifully. All that’s left now is to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry with toasted sesame seeds or a handful of fresh chopped herbs—think cilantro, parsley, or even green onions. Not only does this look irresistible, but it adds bright flavor and a little crunch to each bite.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines bright as a main, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with fluffy steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even buttery mashed potatoes. Each of these soak up the savory sauce and make the dinner even more comforting and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with presentation: pile it over a bed of noodles for a hearty noodle bowl, stuff it into a toasted pita or wrap for lunch, or serve it family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in. However you plate it, this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is sure to get rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze! Let your Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or speedy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, this dish freezes well too. Simply portion cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready for whenever you need something hearty and homemade.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm your Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring now and then until heated through. If you’re tight on time, the microwave works fine—cover your portion and heat in short bursts, stirring between, so everything warms up evenly and stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry vegetarian?

Absolutely! Try swapping the sausage with plant-based sausage or even pan-fried tofu for a protein-packed, vegetarian-friendly twist. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so you won’t miss out on any of those bold, comforting flavors.

What kind of sausage works best?

Any smoked sausage works beautifully in Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry—think kielbasa, andouille, or even your favorite veggie sausage. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked and sliceable, so you can get those lovely crispy bits in the pan.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up; just use a larger skillet or wok. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the veggies stay crisp-tender. If needed, cook in batches for the best results.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe is mild, and the pinch of chili flakes is totally optional. If you love things spicy, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Do I have to use all the optional vegetables?

Not at all! The Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is wonderfully flexible. Use whatever veggies you have on hand—or skip the extras entirely. It’s delicious with just cabbage, sausage, onion, and garlic if that’s what you’ve got.

Final Thoughts

Warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together, this Easy Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry is a true kitchen lifesaver. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your go-to comfort meal for busy nights and impromptu gatherings alike!

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