If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal, this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is a perfect choice. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that brings together the sweetness of honey, the savory depth of soy sauce, the smoky richness of sausage, and the freshness of crisp broccoli.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 head broccoli florets
- 13 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside two-thirds of the sauce for later.
- Place the shrimp in a zip-top bag and pour in the remaining third of the sauce. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the sausage slices for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, discarding the leftover marinade. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet and let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Return the broccoli to the pan, toss to coat everything evenly, and serve over white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 646 kcal | Servings: 4
Why This Recipe Works
There are many reasons why this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli recipe stands out. Let’s explore what makes it such a fantastic meal choice:
1. Balanced Sweet and Savory Flavors
The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a delightful sweet-savory balance. The honey caramelizes slightly during cooking, giving the dish a beautiful glaze that enhances the natural umami of the shrimp and sausage. The soy sauce provides a deep, salty contrast that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
2. High Protein Content
With shrimp and sausage as the main proteins, this dish is packed with muscle-building nutrients. Shrimp is low in calories and high in lean protein, making it an excellent option for those watching their intake. Meanwhile, the kielbasa sausage brings a smoky richness to the dish, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.
3. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables
Broccoli is the primary vegetable in this dish, and for a good reason. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, full of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. The slight crunch of broccoli complements the tender shrimp and sausage, adding both texture and nutrients to the dish. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, the recipe is flexible enough to accommodate other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
4. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This recipe is designed for convenience. The marinade requires just a few minutes of mixing, and since shrimp cooks quickly, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. The one-pan method also means fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re a fan of batch cooking, this recipe is an excellent addition to your meal prep rotation. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly, making it a great option for busy professionals, students, or anyone needing a satisfying meal on demand.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can modify the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences:
1. Swap Out the Protein
Not a fan of shrimp? No problem! This dish works beautifully with chicken, tofu, or even beef strips. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for a plant-based sausage alternative or tempeh to keep the smoky depth of flavor intact.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
The original recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Want more heat? Add a splash of Sriracha, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes. Prefer a milder dish? Simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
3. Try Different Vegetables
While broccoli is a great choice, you can mix and match other vegetables to create variety. Some fantastic options include:
- Bell peppers – Add a sweet crunch.
- Snap peas – Bring a fresh garden flavor.
- Carrots – Introduce a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Zucchini – Perfect for a lighter, summery touch.
- Mushrooms – Add an earthy depth.
- Asparagus – Elegant and slightly crisp.
4. Serve It Differently
This dish is commonly served over white rice, but you can switch things up by using:
- Brown rice – Adds more fiber and whole grains.
- Cauliflower rice – A great low-carb option.
- Quinoa – Provides a protein boost and a nutty flavor.
- Noodles – Try lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
1. Refrigeration
- Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing
- This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating the shrimp.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture.
Nutritional Breakdown
This dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (without rice):
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
If you want to make this dish lower in calories, consider using a leaner sausage option (like turkey kielbasa) or reducing the amount of honey slightly.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and smokiness. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight meal, a special family dinner, or a meal prep staple, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving.
Its one-pan simplicity makes it ideal for busy home cooks, while its versatility allows endless customization. Whether you switch up the proteins, vegetables, or spice level, this dish is sure to become a regular on your menu.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try tonight? With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy. Bon appétit!