German Fried Cabbage and Kielbasa
Savor the robust flavors of traditional German comfort food with this German Fried Cabbage and Kielbasa recipe. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish combines smoky kielbasa sausage with tender green cabbage, caramelized onions, and garlic for an irresistible skillet meal. A touch of apple cider vinegar adds tangy brightness, while paprika and optional sugar enhance its rich, savory profile. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and simple, making it ideal for busy families or anyone craving rustic, Old-World flavors. Serve it as a standalone entree or pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty rye bread for a complete and traditional German-inspired feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage
- 1 head green cabbage
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the ingredients. Slice the smoked kielbasa sausage into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Remove the core from the green cabbage and slice it into thin strips or shreds. Peel the onion and cut it in half, then slice it into thin half-moons. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the kielbasa slices in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the browned kielbasa from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the sliced onion to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Next, add the shredded cabbage to the skillet in batches, if necessary. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
Sprinkle the paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar over the cabbage mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the cabbage in the seasonings.
Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet and pour in the apple cider vinegar. Stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the vinegar is well distributed. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the kielbasa through and meld the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
Serve immediately as a hearty main dish or alongside mashed potatoes or rye bread for a traditional German-inspired meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
482 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.4 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.6 g | 73% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1391 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 723 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
