Okay, confession time: I love the idea of complicated, impressive meals, but on a busy Tuesday night? Forget about it! That’s how this Savory Sausage & Slaw Skillet came to be. It started as a craving for those takeout egg roll flavors, minus the wrapper and the deep fryer. After a little experimenting (and maybe accidentally adding way more ginger than planned the first time – spoiler: it was delicious!), this dish became an absolute staple in my kitchen.

Why? Because it hits all the right notes: it’s ridiculously flavorful, comes together in about 30 minutes, uses just one skillet (hallelujah for fewer dishes!), and happens to be naturally low-carb. It’s comfort food meets convenience, and honestly, what’s better than that? Whether you need a quick dinner, a satisfying lunch prep, or something tasty that fits your low-carb lifestyle, this one’s a winner.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe:

Flavor Overload (the Good Kind!): The combination of savory pork sausage, tangy soy sauce and rice vinegar, nutty toasted sesame oil, zesty lemon, and warm ginger is just chef’s kiss.
Speedy Gonzales: From prep to plate in roughly 35 minutes? Yes, please! Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and delicious.
Dietary Flexibility: Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Need it gluten-free? Easy swap to tamari! It’s adaptable to your needs.

Let’s Talk Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magic:

1.5 pounds bulk pork sausage: The star! Choose your favorite kind – mild, hot, or even a breakfast blend works.
1 (24 ounce) package coleslaw mix: Grab the pre-shredded bag (usually cabbage and carrots) for maximum ease. Life’s too short to shred that much cabbage by hand sometimes!
6 tablespoons soy sauce: Or use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for soy-free/paleo. Low-sodium is great too if you’re watching salt.
6 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Make sure it’s toasted – that deep, nutty flavor is crucial here!
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness.
1 ½ tablespoons fresh grated ginger: Fresh is definitely best for that zippy flavor, but ginger paste works in a pinch.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better. Feel free to add another clove if you’re a garlic fanatic like me!
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle warmth. Adjust to your spice preference, or leave it out entirely.
1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest: This brightens everything up at the end – don’t skip it! Zest the lemon before you juice it for other uses.

Step-by-Step to Skillet Heaven:

Ready? Let’s do this! You’ll need a large skillet or wok.

Get Ready: First things first, get all your ingredients prepped and measured. Mince that garlic, grate the ginger and lemon zest. Having everything ready (mise en place, if you’re fancy!) makes cooking so much smoother.
Brown the Sausage: Pop your skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Let it cook, stirring now and then, until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Now, the important part: carefully drain off the excess grease! Tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop it out.
Combine and Cook: Dump the whole bag (or bags) of coleslaw mix right into the skillet with the sausage. Pour over the soy sauce (or tamari), toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Sprinkle in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Give it all a really good stir to get everything coated.
Soften the Slaw: Keep that medium heat going and let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. You want the cabbage to wilt and become tender but still have a little bite. Don’t let it get too mushy!
Finish with Flair: Stir in those optional red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) and the bright lemon zest. Cook for just another minute or two, stirring constantly, until you can really smell that lovely lemon aroma.
Serve it Up: Take the skillet off the heat. Dish it out into bowls and serve it hot!

Expert Tips & Tricks:

Sausage Swaps: Not a pork fan? Ground turkey, chicken, or even beef would work well here. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Slaw Variations: Feel free to use broccoli slaw for a different texture and slightly different nutrient profile.
Storage Savvy: Leftovers are fantastic! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the texture of the cabbage can get watery.
Common Mistake: Using regular (untoasted) sesame oil. It just doesn’t have the same rich, nutty depth that toasted sesame oil brings. Double-check that label!

Serving & Pairing Suggestions:

This Savory Sausage & Slaw Skillet is hearty enough to be a meal all on its own! We love it just piled high in a bowl.

For a more substantial meal, serve it over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
A drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adds an extra kick if you like things spicy.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even as part of a larger potluck spread.

Keeping it Healthy & Delicious: Tips for Balanced Eating

One of the things I love most about this skillet is how easy it is to fit into a health-conscious lifestyle, especially if you’re mindful of blood sugar. It’s naturally low in carbs and packed with veggies! Here are a few extra thoughts for making it work beautifully for you:

Portion Power: It’s easy to enjoy this flavorful dish! Just be mindful of your portion size based on your personal dietary goals. The nutrition info provided is for one-sixth of the total recipe.
Leaner Choices: If you prefer, look for leaner pork sausage options, or swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage – they work wonderfully too and can help manage saturated fat intake. Reading labels is always smart!
Sodium Savvy: Watching your salt? Using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari is an effortless switch that makes a difference.
Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s different! As with any meal, pay attention to how you feel and how it fits into your overall eating plan, especially regarding blood sugar levels.
Veggie Victory: That big bag of coleslaw mix isn’t just for convenience; it’s loaded with fiber, which is fantastic for feeling full and supporting steady energy levels. Enjoy!

Savory Sausage & Slaw Skillet

A quick and flavorful low-carb skillet meal, blending savory sausage with tender cabbage and aromatic ginger-sesame notes. Excellent on its own or as part of a larger diabetic-friendly spread.

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Prep Time 12

Cook Time 23

Total Time 35

Servings 6

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet or wok

Ingredients

1.5 pounds bulk pork sausage
1 24 ounce package coleslaw mix (or two 12-ounce bags)
6 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
6 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for mild heat
1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all components are measured and ready before starting. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger and lemon zest.
Brown the Sausage: Place a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the bulk sausage and use a spoon or spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook, stirring periodically, for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly browned and crumbled. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Combine and Cook: Add the entire package(s) of coleslaw mix to the skillet with the browned sausage. Pour the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar over the mix. Sprinkle in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Soften the Slaw: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The coleslaw should wilt and become tender-crisp during this time.
Finish with Flavor: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and the fresh lemon zest. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the zest to become fragrant.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Divide the mixture among 6 bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving - estimated)

Calories: 420
Fat: 34g
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Net Carbs: 7g
Protein: 19g

(Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates calculated using standard databases and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation techniques, particularly the type of sausage used and the amount of fat drained.)

Give It a Try!

Seriously, this skillet meal has saved dinner time in my house more times than I can count. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and feels both comforting and light. I really hope you give it a try!

If you do make it, I’d love to hear what you think! Tag me or leave a comment below! Happy cooking!