Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli: A Quick and Flavorful One-Pan Meal

A Simple Yet Satisfying Dish with Bold Flavors

Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, smoky kielbasa sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets, all tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy cooks. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors creates a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

A Recipe That’s Perfect for Weeknight Dinners and Entertaining

I first made this Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli when I was looking for a quick and easy dinner that would use up some ingredients I had on hand. I had some shrimp in the freezer, some kielbasa sausage, and a head of broccoli that needed to be used. I threw everything together in a skillet with a simple honey garlic sauce, and the result was amazing! The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the sausage was smoky and flavorful, the broccoli was tender-crisp, and the sauce was the perfect combination of sweet and savory. It was a hit with my family, and it’s become one of our go-to weeknight meals. I love that it’s so easy to make and that it’s a complete meal in one pan. I also often make it when I have friends over for dinner, as it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Insights: Choosing the Right Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

The success of this dish lies in the combination of flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, providing a delicate, sweet flavor and a tender texture.
  • Tip: Look for large or extra-large shrimp for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Kielbasa Sausage (13 ounces, sliced): Adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the shrimp and vegetables.
  • Alternative: You can use other types of smoked sausage, such as andouille or Polish sausage.
• Broccoli Florets (1 head): Provide a vibrant green color, a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, and a satisfying crunch.
  • Tip: Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Honey (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze for the shrimp and sausage.
• Soy Sauce (⅓ cup): Provides a savory, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the other flavors.
  • Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best.
• Minced Garlic (1 teaspoon): Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli.
• Cooked White Rice: For serving.
  • Alternative: You can also serve this dish with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
• Chopped Parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Essential Equipment: Tools for One-Pan Cooking

• Large Skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking all the ingredients in one pan. A non-stick skillet is recommended for easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: For slicing the sausage and preparing the broccoli.
• Knife: For slicing the sausage and preparing the broccoli.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the honey garlic sauce.
• Whisk: For combining the sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or Spatula: For handling the shrimp and sausage.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

Ingredients with Measurements

• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ 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

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: A Sweet and Savory Blend

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Whisk: Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
3. Reserve Sauce: Set aside two-thirds of the sauce for later use.

2. Marinate the Shrimp: Infusing with Flavor

1. Place Shrimp in Bag: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a zip-top bag or a bowl.
2. Pour Marinade: Pour the remaining one-third of the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp.
3. Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the shrimp to marinate and absorb the flavors.
   • Tip: You can marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.

3. Cook the Broccoli: Achieving Tender-Crisp Texture

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.
3. Cook: Cook the broccoli for about 5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
   • Tip: You want the broccoli to be slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite to it.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Remove the cooked broccoli from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

4. Cook the Sausage and Shrimp: Searing for Flavor

1. Heat Oil: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown Sausage: Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crispy.
3. Add Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp (discard the marinade) to the skillet with the sausage.
4. Cook Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
   • Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.

5. Combine and Simmer: Bringing it All Together

1. Add Reserved Sauce: Pour the reserved two-thirds of the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage and shrimp.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded.
3. Add Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli back to the skillet and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated with the sauce.

6. Serve: Garnishing and Enjoying

1. Serve over Rice: Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli hot, over a bed of cooked white rice.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Shrimp Overcooked:
  • Problem: The shrimp are rubbery and overcooked.
  • Solutions: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them.
• Sauce Too Thin:
  • Problem: The honey garlic sauce is too thin.
  • Solutions: Let it simmer a little longer.
• Sauce Too Thick:
  • Problem: The sauce is too thick.
  • Solutions: Add a bit of water or chicken broth.
• Broccoli Mushy:
  • Problem: The broccoli is overcooked.
  • Solutions: Cook the broccoli until it is only tender-crisp.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Dish

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, carrots, or snap peas.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
• Different Protein: Substitute the shrimp and sausage with chicken, steak, or tofu.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
• Add Noodles: Toss the mixture with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon noodles.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion

• Weeknight Dinner: A quick, easy, and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
• Family Meal: A flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy.
• Lunch: Pack leftovers for a delicious and healthy lunch.
• Casual Get-Togethers: Serve with rice and your favorite sides for a relaxed meal with friends.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the shrimp and honey garlic sauce.
  • Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing choice.
  • Lemonade: Complements the flavors of the dish.
  • Beer: A light-bodied beer, such as a lager or pilsner, is a good option.
• Sides:
  • Rice: Steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice are all great choices.
  • Noodles: Serve over lo mein noodles or rice noodles.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Bread: Crusty bread can be used to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Information: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 400-450, Fat: 20-25g, Carbohydrates: 30-35g, Protein: 25-30g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Your Honey Garlic Shrimp Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
  • A: You can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the shrimp and broccoli and assemble the dish just before serving for the best results.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze this dish?
  • A: It’s best not to freeze this dish after it’s fully assembled, as the texture of the shrimp and broccoli may change. However, you can freeze the cooked sausage and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
  • A: Absolutely! Andouille sausage, Italian sausage, or any other smoked sausage you enjoy would work well in this recipe.
• Q: Can I use a different type of seafood?
  • A: Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, calamari, or even a firm white fish.
• Q: What if I don’t have honey?
  • A: You can use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute for the honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
  • A: Yes, add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
  • A: Yes, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.
• Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
• A: This recipe is best made on the stovetop.
• Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
• A: Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free. Serve with a gluten-free starch.
• Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
• A: You would need to find a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream.
• Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
• A: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.