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33g Protein Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage

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Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: 6 stuffed cabbage rolls

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Cabbage

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • Water for boiling

For the Filling

  • 12 oz (340g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) lean smoked turkey sausage, diced
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Cajun Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Green onions
  • Extra Parmesan (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large stock pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.

Place the cabbage into the boiling water for 8–10 minutes.

As the leaves soften, gently peel them away using tongs.

Set 12 large cabbage leaves aside.

Trim the thick stem on each leaf so it rolls easily.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the onion for about 3 minutes.

Add the bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add the diced turkey sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes.

Add chopped shrimp and cook just until they begin turning pink.

Stir in cauliflower rice and half of the Cajun seasoning.

Cook for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.

Mix in the egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and remaining Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl combine:

  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix until smooth.

Spread one cup of sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Lay one cabbage leaf flat.

Place about ⅓ cup filling in the center.

Fold the sides inward.

Roll tightly from bottom to top.

Repeat with remaining leaves.

Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.

Cover with foil.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake covered for 30 minutes.

Remove foil.

Bake another 10 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the cabbage becomes tender.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Roasted broccoli
  • Garlic green beans
  • Fresh garden salad
  • Cauliflower mash
  • Whole grain bread
  • Brown rice for extra carbohydrates

Finish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp before baking.
  • Use the largest cabbage leaves for easier rolling.
  • Trim the thick stem to prevent tearing.
  • Let the filling cool before adding the egg.
  • Taste the Cajun seasoning and adjust the spice level.
  • Cover tightly while baking to keep the cabbage moist.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze individually wrapped cabbage rolls for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Recipe Variations

  • Replace turkey sausage with chicken sausage.
  • Add chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
  • Use quinoa instead of cauliflower rice for additional fiber.
  • Make it extra spicy with diced jalapeños.
  • Add mozzarella cheese to the filling for a creamier texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 355
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Potassium: 720mg
  • Vitamin A: 22% DV
  • Vitamin C: 55% DV
  • Calcium: 18% DV
  • Iron: 15% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands use

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