Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli – The Perfect Easy Dinner
When you’re craving a quick yet satisfying meal, Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli checks all the boxes. With the sweetness of honey, the savory flavor of sausage, and the crispness of broccoli, it’s a delightful combination that pleases the palate. The dish comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a wholesome dinner without a ton of fuss.
The texture is equally appealing, with tender shrimp and sausage providing a hearty bite, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. This recipe stands out for its balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and a hint of heat if you wish to add red pepper flakes. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends, where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sausage (your choice), sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for the dish.
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Add broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender but still crisp. This adds a wonderful color and texture to your dish.
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Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and cook until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
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For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Allow the sauce to thicken while stirring, which enhances the overall consistency.
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Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired) for a little kick.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious hot meal!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp work too, but thaw them completely before cooking to avoid excess water.
- Feel free to experiment with sausages—chicken, turkey, or even spicy sausage can change the dish’s flavor dramatically.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Cook just until they’re pink and opaque.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for a savory flavor, lessen it.
- For a colorful variation, toss in bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli for added nutrients and visual appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is adored for its harmonious blend of flavors and ease of preparation. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey and garlic, creating layers of taste that leave you wanting more. Moreover, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward—a win for any home cook!
Additionally, it fits various dietary preferences; it’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in protein, making it suitable for those on different eating plans. It’s comforting and filling, making it a great choice for dinner or even meal prep for the week.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
Presentation is key! Serve the dish in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color. Complement it with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
For drinks, pair it with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon, enhancing the flavors of the meal.
How to Store Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
You can store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When reheating, try to consume it within 2 days of thawing for the best taste and quality.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
- Use leftover cooked proteins if you have them; this will cut down on cooking time and still yield great flavors.
- Sauté vegetables like carrots or snap peas alongside the broccoli to mix up the texture and nutritional content.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake to keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap shrimp and sausage for tofu or tempeh, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a flavorful alternative.
- Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.
- Low-Carb: Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep it keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this meal gluten-free.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
This dish is particularly high in protein because of the shrimp and sausage, making it very filling. The carbohydrates mainly come from the honey and broccoli, providing a wholesome source of energy.
Storage and Reheating
To reheat leftovers, you can:
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat on high in 30-second increments, stirring in between until hot.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
- Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adjust flavors by adding different herbs—like cilantro or basil—or switch out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Incorporating nuts such as cashews could add an interesting texture and taste contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking shrimp too long: Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly and should only be done until pink.
- Not pre-cooking sausage: Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding the shrimp to avoid any food safety issues.
- Skipping the cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker sauce, make sure not to skip this step; it significantly enhances the dish’s texture.
- Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to steaming rather than sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary.
Serving Occasions
This recipe fits perfectly into various occasions—from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering with friends. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, quick lunches, or even a cozy date night at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli stands out due to its unique flavor profile and ease of preparation. It’s not just another stir-fry; it marries sweet and savory in a way that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Unlike similar dishes, this one allows you to combine proteins and vegetables with minimal effort, yet it feels special enough for any dinner table.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. -
What type of sausage should I use?
You can use any sausage you enjoy—chicken, pork, Italian, or even vegetarian options work well! -
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild unless you add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha. Adjust according to your taste! -
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just store it in the fridge after cooking. -
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave syrup can be a good alternative if you’re looking for different sweetness.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Always double-check for dietary restrictions!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and satisfying meal featuring sweet honey, savory sausage, and crisp broccoli, all cooked together for a delightful one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove from skillet.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Return sausage to the skillet, then add shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for best results. You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the honey.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg