Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
Hey there, food lovers! Are you craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is your new weeknight go-to. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked sausage, and tender-crisp broccoli all bathed in a luscious honey-garlic sauce. Sounds dreamy, right? It tastes even better!
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami. The honey provides a delightful sweetness that cuts through the richness of the sausage, while the garlic adds a pungent kick. The broccoli adds a healthy dose of greens and a satisfying crunch, creating a fantastic textural contrast. It’s a complete meal in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your time.
This recipe isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a cozy night in. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness, promising a truly enjoyable culinary experience. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, I promise!
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can confidently tackle this recipe and impress yourself and your loved ones with your culinary skills. So grab your aprons, friends, let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry and fridge! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp (1 pound): Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for optimal results. Look for fresh shrimp, if possible, for the best flavor.
- Italian Sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite kind – sweet or spicy, mild or hot. Remove the casings before cooking for easy incorporation into the dish.
- Broccoli florets (1 large head): Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh garlic adds a potent, savory flavor to the sauce. Minced garlic is easiest to work with.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Provides that lovely sweetness and sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty, umami depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season generously to enhance the flavors.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (a pinch): Add a touch of heat for a spicier kick!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s create some deliciousness! Follow these simple steps to make your Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli:
- Prep the ingredients: Start by removing the casings from your Italian sausage and crumbling it into a bowl. Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Sauté the garlic and broccoli: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to tenderize.
- Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp; they’ll become tough.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Pour the sauce over the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli in the skillet.
- Simmer and serve: Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients evenly. Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will prevent the sausage and shrimp from browning properly. Cook them in batches if necessary. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients always result in the best flavor. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, garlic, or soy sauce to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious variations to try:
Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce, for extra heat. Lemon Honey Garlic: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown. Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent dryness. Freezing is also possible. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.
Q: How long does the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli last? A: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Frozen leftovers can last for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I substitute the sausage? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with chicken sausage, andouille sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh broccoli? A: Frozen broccoli works perfectly well. Just make sure it’s completely thawed before adding it to the skillet.
The Final Word
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a true winner. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet and savory flavors, combined with the satisfying textures, create a culinary experience that’s sure to please everyone. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your photos on social media using #HoneyGarlicShrimpSausageBroccoli. Happy cooking!
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
Ingredients
- * 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- * 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- * 1 large head broccoli cut into florets
- * 1/4 cup honey
- * 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- * 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- * 2 tablespoons olive oil
- * 2 cloves garlic minced
- * 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- * 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- * 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- * 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- * Salt and pepper to taste
- * 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening sauce
- * 1 tablespoon cold water if using cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk this mixture into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or quinoa.