It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a meal that is fast, fresh, and satisfying. This honey garlic shrimp and sausage stir-fry is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers.
This recipe brings together succulent shrimp and savory smoked sausage. The bright green broccoli adds a fresh spring crunch. It is a complete meal made in just one pan. You will love how easy it is to clean up.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This dish is a total winner for busy families. It is packed with high-quality protein to keep everyone full. The sweet and savory glaze makes even the broccoli taste amazing. Even your picky eaters will ask for seconds.
You only need 30 minutes from start to finish. It is perfect for a healthy reset after a long weekend. You get restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your cozy kitchen. It is budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this stir-fry is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You will start by whisking a simple four-ingredient sauce. Then, you brown the sausage to get those golden, crispy edges. Everything happens in one large skillet or wok.
The broccoli steams right in the pan with a splash of water. This saves you from boiling a separate pot. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this. The step-by-step process ensures perfectly cooked shrimp every single time.
Ingredients You Will Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. Fresh spring broccoli makes this dish feel light and vibrant.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and slightly crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 3 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
- Remove the lid and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and pink.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reduces slightly and coats all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately over rice or quinoa if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this honey garlic shrimp and sausage steaming hot. It is delicious on its own for a low-carb meal. You can also spoon it over fluffy white rice. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great healthy options.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright pop of flavor. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free dinner with your family. This is true comfort food made healthy.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers make a fantastic lunch the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can to keep the shrimp tender. This recipe is a meal prep dream for busy weeks.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Use a large skillet so the ingredients have room to brown.
- Cut your broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- For a family-friendly version, reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Prep your sauce and veggies before you turn on the stove.
- Double the sauce if you like extra glaze for your rice.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers in summer.
- Use chicken sausage for a leaner, lighter protein option.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweet note.
- Add a handful of cashews for extra texture and healthy fats.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Pat them dry so they sear instead of steaming in the pan.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a very mild kick from the red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out. The honey garlic glaze is delicious even without the spice.
How do I know when the shrimp is done?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2 or 3 minutes. They are done when they turn opaque and pink. They should form a loose “C” shape rather than a tight “O”.
I hope this quick and colorful stir-fry makes your busy weeknights a little easier. There is nothing better than a healthy meal that everyone actually wants to eat. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup hone y
- 1/4 cup low -sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp wate r
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and slightly crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 3 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
- Remove the lid and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and pink.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reduces slightly and coats all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately over rice or quinoa if desired.
