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If you’re craving a meal that bursts with savory, sweet, and vibrant flavors all in one skillet, the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is your new go-to dinner. This dish combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp broccoli tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s easy to whip up on any weeknight. It’s colorful, packed with good protein and veggies, and makes for an incredibly satisfying dish that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe sing. Each ingredient brings something important to the table, from texture and color to the perfect balance of flavors.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Sausage (1 pound): Smoked, andouille, or your favorite variety adds a hearty, smoky depth.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): They bring crunch and vibrant green color for a fresh contrast.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Vital for sautéing and bringing out the flavor in garlic and sausage.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone of the honey garlic sauce.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1/4 cup): Gives the dish its umami punch and savory richness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch of acidity to brighten and lift the flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, optional): Makes the sauce irresistibly glossy and slightly thickened.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of heat to excite your palate.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): For garnish, adding an extra layer of texture and freshness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they turn golden brown and release their smoky aroma. This step infuses the skillet with flavor and renders some delicious fat that will cook the rest of the ingredients beautifully. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Stir the garlic around for about one minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned — this gentle cooking unlocks its rich, savory aroma to marry perfectly with the honey and soy sauce later on.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir them occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften but still hold some crispness. This method ensures the broccoli remains bright green and slightly crunchy, providing an ideal texture contrast with the shrimp and sausage.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, then add the shrimp along with the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Give everything a good stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns a pretty pink and curls slightly. This quick cook keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, while the sauce starts to meld all the flavors together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker, more clingy sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for a minute to thicken slightly, making sure every bite has a lovely, glossy coating of that honey garlic goodness.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Finally, season the dish with salt, pepper, and if you like a bit of spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and serve hot right from the pan for maximum flavor and warmth.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
While the sesame seeds and green onions bring beautiful color and a slight crunch, feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. These little touches add brightness and fresh layers that lift the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is versatile enough to join the plate with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even tossed with noodles. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, balancing the honey garlic sauce’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe in a wide shallow bowl with a bed of rice underneath, allowing the sauce to pool around. Or pile it over a nest of spiralized zucchini or soba noodles for a lighter, noodle-forward experience. Decorating with a scatter of toasted sesame seeds and a few sprigs of microgreens adds a restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The shrimp and sausage hold their flavor well, but the broccoli might soften a bit, so gently reheating is key to preserving the best texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the broccoli may become quite soft after thawing, so if texture is a priority, you might prefer to freeze individual components instead.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Smoked sausage, andouille, chorizo, or even a mild chicken sausage will work beautifully. Choose what you love or have on hand for your preferred flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Sure thing! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Just add them during the broccoli cooking stage for even cooking.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or even a small amount of flour slurry. Just mix with cold water before adding to avoid lumps, and allow time for the sauce to thicken.
How spicy is this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild, but the addition of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a subtle, warm heat. You can adjust or omit this depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that come together in a flash. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try on your next dinner and watch it become a new family favorite—trust me, it’s that good!
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Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful skillet dinner featuring juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and tender broccoli tossed in a delicious honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal with a balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sausage (smoked, andouille, or your choice), sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 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
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt, stirring frequently.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the peeled shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together well and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and cook for an additional minute or until the sauce has thickened.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can substitute sausage types based on preference, such as chorizo or kielbasa.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended for a nice glaze on the shrimp and vegetables.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
