This Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender-crisp broccoli coated in a rich honey garlic sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something both nutritious and satisfying.
The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness from honey and umami from soy sauce, with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking a quick dinner, this stir-fry is a guaranteed hit with the whole family!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet, then pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender-crisp broccoli, all coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but quick to prepare.
Packed with protein and vegetables, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a go-to recipe that will leave you craving more. The balance of flavors in this dish makes it appealing to all palates, combining umami-rich soy sauce, the natural sweetness of honey, and the aromatic touch of garlic.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish has everything you could want in a homemade meal—it’s fast, flavorful, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Quick & Easy – With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pan Convenience – Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup.
- High in Protein – The combination of shrimp and sausage ensures that this dish is packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection – The honey garlic sauce gives the dish a rich, flavorful glaze that’s neither too sweet nor too salty.
- Customizable – You can switch up the vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even substitute chicken or tofu for a different variation.
The Magic Behind the Honey Garlic Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible. It has the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey, a deep umami flavor from soy sauce, and a fragrant, garlicky punch. The touch of sesame oil gives it a nutty aroma, while rice vinegar adds a slight tang that brightens up the dish.
For those who love a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to give the dish a subtle kick. If you prefer a thicker sauce, a small amount of cornstarch slurry can be used to create a glossy, clingy texture that coats every bite perfectly.
The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Stand Out
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its rich, well-rounded flavor:
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp adds a juicy, slightly sweet seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Sausage: The smokiness from the sausage balances out the sweetness of the sauce and adds depth to the dish.
- Broccoli: This vegetable provides a fresh, crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the shrimp and sausage.
- Garlic: The backbone of the sauce, garlic infuses the dish with its signature aromatic flavor.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and caramelization when cooked.
- Soy Sauce: Gives the dish its rich, umami flavor and enhances the depth of the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness and enhances the dish’s overall aroma.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings a slight tanginess to balance out the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice.
Best Ways to Serve This Stir-Fry
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- With White or Brown Rice: The sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite extra flavorful.
- Over Noodles: Serve over ramen, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a satisfying noodle stir-fry.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, serve this dish over cauliflower rice.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them throughout the week. The flavors meld even better the next day!
How to Customize This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have available:
- Switch Up the Protein: Instead of shrimp, you can use chicken, tofu, or even beef for a different spin.
- Try Different Vegetables: While broccoli works beautifully in this recipe, you can also add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey or add a squeeze of lime for a more balanced flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
Health Benefits of This Stir-Fry
This dish is not just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients!
- High in Protein: Shrimp and sausage provide a good amount of protein, keeping you full for longer.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, which helps with digestion.
- Low in Carbs (If Served Without Rice/Noodles): This dish can be a great keto-friendly option if served without traditional carbs.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil contains heart-healthy fats that help balance cholesterol levels.
Tips for Making the Best Stir-Fry
To ensure your Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have a slightly sweet, briny smell. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Cook Shrimp Quickly: Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so make sure to cook them for only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Sear the Sausage: Let the sausage caramelize slightly in the pan to bring out its deep, smoky flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keeping it slightly crisp ensures that it retains its nutrients and provides a good texture contrast.
- Taste & Adjust: Since the sauce has a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is an easy recipe, there are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once can cause them to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adding the Sauce Too Early: To prevent burning, always add the sauce toward the end of cooking.
- Not Drying the Shrimp Properly: Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from getting a good sear. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry is a fantastic dish that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, high in protein, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this dish will impress with its vibrant colors and rich, sweet-savory flavors.
The combination of shrimp, sausage, and broccoli, all tossed in an irresistible honey garlic sauce, makes this dish a must-try for seafood and meat lovers alike. Best of all, it’s completely customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and dietary needs.
So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dinner, give this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry a try. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of flavors in every bite!