🥬 High-Protein Shrimp & Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Bowls

Ingredients

For the cabbage bowls:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For the high-protein filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) lean turkey or chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cabbage into thick round slices, about 1½–2 inches thick. Carefully remove some of the center leaves to create a bowl while leaving a sturdy outer wall.
2. Season:
   Place the cabbage bowls in a large baking dish. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Roast the cabbage:
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften and caramelize.
4. Cook the sausage:
   While the cabbage cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey/chicken sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, until browned.
5. Add vegetables:
   Add onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
6. Add shrimp:
   Add the shrimp, tomatoes, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, turning the shrimp, until they are pink and cooked through.
7. Add the rice:
   Stir in the cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice. Cook for another 2–3 minutes so everything is well combined.
8. Fill the cabbage:
   Remove the cabbage bowls from the oven and generously spoon the shrimp, sausage, and vegetable mixture into each cabbage bowl.
9. Final bake:
   Return the filled cabbage bowls to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes.
10. Finish:
    Remove from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

💪 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, assuming 4 servings:

• Calories: ~400–450
• Protein: ~38–45 g
• Carbohydrates: ~20–30 g
• Fat: ~16–20 g

High-protein tip: Use lean chicken/turkey sausage and cauliflower rice to increase the protein-to-calorie ratio and reduce carbohydrates.