Keto Cabbage Stir Fry with Sausage

The Keto Cabbage Stir Fry with Sausage is a hearty, one-pan low-carb meal made by sautéing thinly sliced cabbage with high-fat, low-carb sausage, garlic, soy sauce or tamari, and fresh ginger in olive or coconut oil. The cabbage cooks to a crisp-tender texture while the sausage adds rich flavor and protein, keeping the dish both satisfying and keto-friendly. With its savory sausage, umami-packed sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger, this stir fry is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Keto, Low Carb

Keyword keto cabbage stir fry, low carb skillet meal, one pan keto dinner, sausage and cabbage

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 370kcal

Equipment

large skillet
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Wooden Spoon
measuring spoons

Ingredients

For the stir fry

1 pound keto-friendly smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced into bite-size rounds, check labels for no added sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
8 cups green cabbage cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup yellow onion very thinly sliced, optional for extra flavor
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated

For the sauce and seasoning

2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free, adjust to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste, depending on sausage and tamari
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Optional garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the sausage by slicing it into bite-size rounds and thinly slice the cabbage and optional onion, then mince the garlic and grate the ginger so all ingredients are ready before cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium to medium high heat and add the olive oil or coconut oil, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on the edges and some of the fat has rendered, about five to seven minutes.
Push the browned sausage to one side of the skillet and, if the pan looks dry, add a small drizzle of additional oil, then add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the open side of the pan.
Sauté the aromatics, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and the garlic and ginger are fragrant but not browned, about one to two minutes, then mix them together with the sausage.
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet in batches if needed, tossing to coat it in the rendered sausage fat and oil, and continue cooking while stirring frequently until the cabbage begins to wilt, about three to five minutes.
Pour in the tamari or soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper, tossing well so the cabbage and sausage are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Continue cooking the stir fry, stirring often, until the cabbage is crisp tender and lightly browned in spots and the liquid has mostly evaporated, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Taste the cabbage and sausage and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or tamari to suit your preference, keeping in mind that the flavors will continue to develop slightly as the dish rests.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the stir fry with chopped fresh parsley or green onion if using, then serve hot as a complete keto meal or alongside your favorite low carb protein.

Notes

For the most keto-friendly result, choose a full-fat sausage with no added sugar, fillers, or starches and always check the nutrition label for hidden carbs. The onion is optional and used in a small amount to keep net carbs low while still adding flavor, so omit it if you need to lower carbs even further. This stir fry reheats well in a skillet over medium heat and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep. If you prefer a slightly richer dish, stir in an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a small knob of butter at the end of cooking to boost healthy fats and flavor.

Nutrition