I make this easy turkey sausage and cabbage stir fry when I want something quick, hearty, and full of flavor without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a simple one-pan meal that combines savory sausage with tender cabbage and a few basic seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast this dish comes together, especially on busy days. I only need a handful of ingredients, and everything cooks in one pan which makes cleanup easy. The turkey sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor while the cabbage soaks up all the seasoning beautifully. I also enjoy how flexible it is, since I can easily adjust the spices or toss in extra vegetables I have on hand.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb turkey sausage, sliced into rounds 4 cups green cabbage, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
directions
I start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the sliced turkey sausage and cook it for about 5–7 minutes until it browns nicely.
Next, I toss in the sliced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes until it softens. I then add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
After that, I add the chopped cabbage to the pan. I stir everything together and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender.
I season the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat. Then I drizzle in the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, giving everything a final stir.
I let it cook for another 2 minutes so all the flavors come together, then I remove it from the heat and serve it warm.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap green cabbage for red cabbage for a slightly different flavor and color. If I want more vegetables, I add bell peppers or carrots. For a lower-sodium version, I reduce the soy sauce or use a low-sodium option. I also like experimenting with different spices like Italian seasoning or a dash of cumin for a twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I usually warm it in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, but the microwave works fine if I’m in a hurry. If it feels a bit dry, I add a small splash of water or broth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
I can easily substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or even beef sausage depending on what I have available.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and still tastes great the next day.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, I find this dish naturally low in carbs since it mainly uses cabbage and sausage.
Can I freeze this stir fry?
I can freeze it, but I notice the cabbage becomes softer after thawing. It’s still tasty, just a bit less crisp.
What can I serve with this dish?
I like serving it on its own, but sometimes I pair it with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a fuller meal.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this turkey sausage and cabbage stir fry because it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those reliable recipes I can turn to anytime I need something quick and delicious without much effort.
