This dish features juicy shrimp and tasty sausage, all coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Plus, bright green broccoli adds a nice crunch!
I love how quickly this meal comes together—perfect for busy nights. Just cook everything in one pan, and dinner is ready in no time. Who doesn’t love easy cleanup? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If shrimp isn’t available, you can swap it for chicken or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Smoked Sausage: I prefer smoked sausage for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey sausage is a great substitute. You can also skip it for a completely meat-free dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for this recipe for its crunch. Alternatively, you can use frozen broccoli florets if that’s what you have on hand. Just add them directly to the pan without the steaming step.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup works well as a substitute.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free dish, choose tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. This keeps the flavor while catering to dietary restrictions.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky if you aren’t careful. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp for a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Keep in mind that they’ll continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat.
This will help you serve perfectly tender shrimp every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage with Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage with Broccoli takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking. In just about 25 minutes total, you’re ready to enjoy a delicious and filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your olive oil. Once hot, toss in the sliced sausage and cook for about 4–5 minutes until it is browned and slightly crispy. After it’s done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets along with a splash of water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 3–4 minutes, until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. Once cooked, take the broccoli out and set it aside with the sausage.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Shrimp:
Next, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
4. Combine and Sauce It Up:
Now, bring back the sausage and broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce and pour this mixture over everything in the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients to coat them evenly with the sauce.
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue to cook everything together for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. When done, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and quick one-pan dinner! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a hit at your table! 😊
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage with Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet to avoid extra moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the recipe. If you want it spicier, you can add more flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Adjusting will allow you to tailor the dish to your taste!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This dish is quite versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into similar sizes as the broccoli for even cooking, and adjust the steaming time as needed to ensure they remain tender-crisp.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.