If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish is just what you need. With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender broccoli all tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the recipe to your taste or dietary preferences.
📋 Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
📝 Instructions:
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
- Sauté the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over everything, stirring to coat. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli over rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Substitutes: While broccoli is a great choice, you can swap it out or add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. This adds variety and makes the dish even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like a little spice, the red pepper flakes in the sauce will do the trick. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount based on your preference. You could also add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make It Low-Carb: If you’re looking to lower the carb content, replace the rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice or enjoy the dish on its own with no grains. It’s still incredibly filling and nutritious!
- Protein Alternatives: Not a fan of sausage? Swap it out for chicken sausage or turkey sausage to reduce fat content. You could even try plant-based sausage to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free.
How to Store
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess water from being released during cooking, which can dilute the sauce.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: Absolutely. You can reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sugar substitute like agave or maple syrup. Opting for turkey or chicken sausage and using less oil will also cut down on calories.
Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook everything in advance and store it in portioned containers with rice or quinoa. It reheats well, making it a great option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Q: What other sides go well with this dish?
A: Aside from rice or quinoa, you could serve this with roasted sweet potatoes, a simple side salad, or steamed vegetables for an even more balanced meal.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce more?
A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. This will give it a more velvety texture.
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish is sure to become a family favorite with its irresistible blend of flavors. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish that’s customizable to your tastes, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!