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Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Roasted Cabbage Boats

These Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Roasted Cabbage Boats are a hearty, low-carb meal packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet peppers, melted cheese, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Cabbage Boats

  • 1 medium green cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Filling

  • 12 oz (340g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 10 oz (280g) smoked sausage (Andouille, kielbasa, or turkey sausage), sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the cabbage into 4 large wedges, keeping part of the core intact so each wedge holds together.
  3. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the wedges in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes until they begin to soften.

2. Cook the Filling

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in the bell pepper and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and black pepper.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the green onions.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter.
  2. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and parsley.
  3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

4. Assemble

  1. Remove the cabbage from the oven.
  2. Spoon the shrimp and sausage mixture over each cabbage wedge.
  3. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheese.
  4. Pour the garlic butter sauce around and lightly over the cabbage.

5. Bake

  1. Return the baking dish to the oven.
  2. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shrimp are fully cooked.
  3. Garnish with additional green onions and parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Boats

  • Keep a portion of the cabbage core attached so the wedges stay together.
  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they only need a few minutes.
  • Brown the sausage first to develop extra flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich garlic butter sauce.
  • For a crispier cheese topping, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 33g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbs: 6g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 920mg

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the brands of sausage and cheese used.


Nut Information

Contains Nuts?

  • No. This recipe does not contain peanuts or tree nuts.

Common Allergens

  • Shellfish (shrimp)
  • Milk (butter and cheese)
  • Soy (may be present in some sausage brands and Worcestershire sauce)

Nut-Free Status

  • Naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.

Cross-Contamination Advice

If preparing for someone with a severe nut allergy:

  • Check the labels on the sausage, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and cheese for any “may contain peanuts/tree nuts” statements.
  • Use clean cookware, utensils, and cutting boards to prevent cross-contact.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Variations

Spicy Cajun

Add diced jalapeños and extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.

Cheesy Alfredo

Replace the garlic butter sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce and top with Parmesan cheese.

Mediterranean Style

Use chicken sausage, feta cheese, olives, and oregano instead of Cajun seasoning.

Low-Fat Version

Use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon.

Surf & Turf Deluxe

Add lump crab meat or scallops along with the shrimp for an extra-special meal.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille adds a smoky, spicy flavor, while kielbasa or turkey sausage are excellent milder alternatives.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Roast the cabbage and prepare the filling up to one day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage is recommended because it becomes tender and sweet when roasted. Red cabbage has a firmer texture and a stronger flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. With approximately 6g net carbs per serving, it fits well into most low-carb and keto meal plans.

What side dishes go well with cabbage boats?

Serve with cauliflower rice, roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, a crisp garden salad, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

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