There’s something incredibly heartwarming about gathering around the dinner table with your family, sharing stories of the day, and enjoying a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. One of my favorite dishes to make for such occasions is Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli. It’s much more than a recipe; it’s a culinary tradition that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. With its simple ingredients, robust flavors, and the joy of cooking for those you love, this dish captivates the soul and the palate. Growing up, my mother often prepared meals that brought our family together, and this particular dish reminds me of those cherished moments. It’s a blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice that warms not only the stomach but also the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast yet satisfying dinner.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of shrimp, sausage, and broccoli means there’s something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from the shrimp and sausage and a healthy dose of fiber from the broccoli, it’s a meal that’s both hearty and healthy.
- Flavor-Packed: The honey garlic sauce is a simple yet effective way to add a burst of flavor, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles, and customize it with your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
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 soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 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:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
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Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Shrimp: In 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. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
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Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to the skillet to help steam the broccoli if needed.
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Combine and Cook: Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients.
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Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty meal!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Exploring the ingredients, we discover a harmony of flavors and health benefits that come together in this delightful dish.
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Shrimp: Rich in protein and low in calories, shrimp are quick to cook and absorb flavors beautifully. They’re a great source of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart and brain health. Shrimp also contain antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which supports skin health and reduces inflammation.
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Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish. Opt for a smoked or spicy variety to kick up the flavor without needing additional spices. Sausages, especially those made from quality meats, can provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
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Broccoli: This green powerhouse is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish. Broccoli is also known for its cancer-fighting properties thanks to compounds like sulforaphane, making it a smart choice for any meal.
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Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic adds a fragrant, zesty note to the sauce. Beyond its flavor, garlic is celebrated for boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure, making it both a culinary and health champion.
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Honey: Balances the savory elements with a natural sweetness and provides a glossy finish to the sauce. Honey is not just a sweetener; it has antibacterial properties and can soothe sore throats, offering more than just culinary benefits.
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Soy Sauce: Offers umami depth and a salty contrast to the sweetness of the honey, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Soy sauce also contains antioxidants and can aid in digestion, but be mindful of its sodium content.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity, cutting through the richness of the sausage and shrimp. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and can help enhance iron absorption from the meal, adding another layer of nutritional benefit.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
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Rice or Quinoa: A classic base that soaks up the delicious sauce. For a healthier option, try brown rice or quinoa. Quinoa, in particular, is a complete protein and adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
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Noodles: Turn this into a hearty noodle dish by serving it with your favorite pasta. Whole wheat or soba noodles add additional fiber and nutrients to your meal.
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Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can complement the robust flavors of the main dish. Consider a mixed greens salad with a citrus dressing to echo the lemon juice in the dish.
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Crusty Bread: Use it to mop up every last bit of that scrumptious sauce! A whole-grain baguette or sourdough could add texture and depth to the meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores well and makes for a delightful lunch the next day.
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
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Freeze: While the texture of the broccoli may change slightly, the dish can be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
A Few Tips to Enhance Your Cooking Experience
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When selecting shrimp, consider buying them fresh if possible. Fresh shrimp will have a mild, ocean-like smell, while frozen shrimp are often a convenient and still flavorful option. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
Selecting Sausage
The type of sausage you choose can dramatically influence the dish’s flavor. A spicy sausage will add a punch, while a milder, smoked sausage will contribute a rich, savory element without overwhelming the other ingredients. Experiment with different types to find your favorite combination.
Perfect Broccoli
To maintain the vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture of broccoli, avoid overcooking. A quick sauté or steam will keep it flavorful and nutrient-rich. If you prefer softer broccoli, add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to steam for an additional minute or two.
Sauce Consistency
The honey garlic sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you find it too runny, let it simmer a bit longer. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a splash of water or chicken broth can help achieve the perfect consistency.
Culinary Tradition and Modern Innovation
Cooking for family is one of life’s greatest joys, and I hope this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe brings as much happiness to your table as it does to mine. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Remember, great meals don’t have to be complicated—they just need a little love. And from my kitchen to yours, enjoy every bite!
For more comforting recipes, check out my Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta and Hearty Beef Stew on my blog. If you’re interested in exploring more about the nutritional benefits of these ingredients, visit Healthline for detailed articles.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter!
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In 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. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to the skillet to help steam the broccoli if needed.
- Combine and cook: Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty meal!