🍤🔥 High-Protein Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Bowls

35g+ protein, low-carb, packed with Cajun flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. This version uses lean turkey sausage and plenty of shrimp to keep the protein high without making the bowls overly heavy.

🥬 Ingredients — 4 servings

Cajun Filling

• 500 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 300 g lean turkey or chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 150 g diced tomatoes, drained
• 100 ml low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Creamy Cajun Drizzle

• 80 g nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1–2 tsp water to thin

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Carefully remove 8 large cabbage leaves from the head.
3. Blanch the leaves for 2–3 minutes, until softened but not mushy.
4. Transfer them to cold water, then drain and pat dry.
5. Slice away the thickest part of the center rib so the leaves are easier to fold.

Shortcut: Instead of making individual cabbage rolls, you can chop the cabbage and make these as stuffed cabbage bowls.

2. Cook the sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced turkey sausage.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
4. Remove the sausage and set aside.

3. Cook the vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper.
2. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.

4. Add the shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet.
2. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
3. Return the sausage to the skillet.
4. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes so the flavors combine.
6. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should remain juicy and tender.

🥣 Assemble the Stuffed Cabbage Bowls

For each serving:

1. Place 2 cabbage leaves in a bowl.
2. Spoon the Cajun shrimp and sausage mixture into the center.
3. Fold the cabbage slightly around the filling.
4. Drizzle with the Greek-yogurt Cajun sauce.
5. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

🌶️ Creamy Cajun Sauce

Simply whisk together:

Greek yogurt + hot sauce + Cajun seasoning + lemon juice + a little water.

Drizzle over the bowls immediately before serving.

💪 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories: ~390–430 kcal
• Protein: 40–45 g
• Carbs: ~15–18 g
• Fat: ~15–18 g
• Fiber: ~5–7 g

So despite the original 35g+ protein claim, this version can realistically get you around 40g+ protein per serving while remaining relatively low-carb.