Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Every time I make this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli, it brings me back to cozy family dinners where laughter fills the air and delicious smells waft from the kitchen. I can still picture my grandchildren gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for their plates to be filled. Just the other day, I prepared this delightful dish, and as I served it up, I saw their eyes light up with excitement. The sweet and savory aroma was impossible to resist!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that not only satisfy but also nourish. I know when you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones. The combination of plump shrimp, hearty sausage, and crisp broccoli creates a colorful plate that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. Let’s dive right into how to make this scrumptious dish together!

How to make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp are the star of this dish! They cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully. You can use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them before cooking.
• 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces: I love using smoked sausage for that rich, savory flavor that pairs so well with the sweet honey sauce. Feel free to try turkey sausage if you’re looking for a healthier alternative!
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli not only adds a lovely green pop but is also packed with nutrients. You can substitute it with snap peas or bell peppers if you prefer.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds such depth to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can adjust the quantity if you’re not a big garlic fan.
• 1/4 cup honey: This is where the magic happens! Honey brings a lovely sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Soy sauce is a must for that umami flavor! Low sodium helps control the saltiness of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: I prefer olive oil for its health benefits and flavor. You can also use canola or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens up the dish beautifully. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): If you like a little kick, these red pepper flakes are perfect. Adjust to your spice tolerance!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving: I love serving this dish over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up all the sauce. It makes for a complete meal.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional): Adding fresh herbs at the end adds a burst of freshness and color to your plate.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Set this aside, and let those flavors mingle. I could just eat this sauce with a spoon—it’s that good!

2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook it for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on both sides. This step adds so much flavor to your dish. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can become rubbery! Once done, take the shrimp out and set it along with the sausage.

4. Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli and keep that lovely green color.

5. Combine and cook: Return the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The sauce will cling beautifully to everything!

6. Serve: Dish out your honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like! Every bite will remind you of loving family dinners around the table.

Why I Love Making This Dish

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a meal that brings joy to my family. This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile! You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. I adore how vibrant and colorful it looks—the plate seems to come alive with all those lovely shades of green, orange, and pink. It’s always a winner at our dinner table.

What You’ll Need

Besides the ingredients, here are a few kitchen tools I recommend having on hand:

• A large skillet or wok: This will be your main cooking vessel. A non-stick skillet helps make cleanup easier!
• A sharp knife: For chopping up your veggies and proteins.
• A small bowl: For mixing the sauce.
• A spatula or wooden spoon: To stir things up gently—no one likes a scratched skillet!

Step-by-Step Guide

1. First, prep your ingredients before you start cooking! Chopping everything beforehand makes the cooking process smoother.
2. Preheat your skillet when you’re ready to cook. This helps ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that lovely brown color.
3. Always taste your sauce before adding it to the pan—adjust the flavors to suit your palate!

Tips for Perfect Results

• For crispy shrimp, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding them. This will help achieve that delightful texture.
• Want a thicker sauce? After combining everything, let it cook a little longer—this allows the sauce to reduce and become stickier.
• Prefer your broccoli softer? Cook it a bit longer, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn mushy.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This dish is delicious on its own over rice or quinoa, but I also like to serve it with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice and perhaps a light cucumber salad on the side. You could even pair it with some homemade egg rolls or spring rolls for an extra fun touch!

Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though that rarely happens in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it on the stove. Just be gentle with the shrimp, so it doesn’t overcook and become tough again.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly first—either in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water for a quick thaw.

Can I substitute other vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to substitute with whatever veggies you have. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas would work wonderfully.

Is this dish spicy?
It can be! The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but if you prefer it milder, simply leave them out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can pre-chop your ingredients and prepare the sauce in advance. Just cook everything right before you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli has brought smiles and comfort to my home, and I am so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love it just as much as we do! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that radiates love and warmth. So go ahead, whip it up for your family, and watch them enjoy every flavorful bite. Be sure to let me know how it turns out, and if they ask for seconds, just like mine do every single time!