If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in a snap, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant broccoli all tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, zest, and a hint of spice. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful and satisfying meal that feels special, yet comes together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it will be hard to go back to plain dinners again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this stir-fry sing, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing its own essential role in flavor, texture, and color. These are all pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh items that keep the process straightforward and fun.
- Fresh shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined, they bring tender, juicy seafood goodness.
- Smoked sausage (8 oz): Adds a savory, smoky depth and a meaty bite.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Bright green, crisp-tender veggies that offer crunch and nutrition.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for that irresistible, aromatic punch.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens and glazes the dish with a sticky, glossy finish.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free, delivering umami and saltiness.
- Olive oil or butter (1 tbsp): For cooking and adding richness.
- Red pepper flakes (1 tsp, optional): A little kick of heat if you like it spicy.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed—this prep makes the shrimp easier to cook and enjoy later. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds so they cook evenly and match the size of your other ingredients. Chop the broccoli into florets of uniform size to ensure they cook just right, staying crisp and tender without turning mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Toss in the sausage slices and cook them until they are beautifully browned on both sides and release that smoky aroma that will set the foundation for our stir-fry. Once they’re perfectly caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep their crispy edges intact.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add your broccoli florets. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until their color turns a vibrant green and they become just slightly tender but still crisp. For extra tenderness without losing crunch, add a splash of water and cover the pan briefly to steam the broccoli—it’s all about layering flavors and textures.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic
Add a bit more oil or butter if your pan looks dry. Toss in the shrimp and sprinkle in the minced garlic, stirring frequently for even cooking. The shrimp will quickly turn pink and opaque, usually in 2 to 3 minutes per side. The garlic will infuse the pan with flavor that beautifully complements the seafood and veggies.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice, then toss everything gently to coat each piece in the sticky, glossy sauce. Allow it to thicken slightly as you stir. If you want a hint of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes now to kick it up a notch. This finishing touch ties all the flavors together into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your stir-fry looks shiny and irresistible, remove it from the heat. Serve it immediately while warm, and get ready for that first bite full of sweet, savory, smoky, and bright flavors mingling beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can add an extra pop of color and texture. If you like, a few lemon wedges on the side offer a fresh burst if someone wants to add more zing. These little touches boost the visual appeal and complement the dish’s flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed noodles. Crisp, cool cucumber salad or a crunchy slaw can also provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stir-fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, load your stir-fry into warm lettuce cups or vibrant bell peppers halves for a handheld meal that’s perfect for entertaining. Serving it over a nest of noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top can turn it into a visually stunning centerpiece that’s both casual and celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe tastes fantastic stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more inviting when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stir-fry in individual portions for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to preserve quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture and keep the shrimp tender. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the broccoli losing its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your sausage ingredients to ensure there are no hidden gluten fillers as well.
What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
If you want to switch things up, try spicy chorizo, kielbasa, or even a vegetarian sausage option. Each will bring its own unique twist to the dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms would be wonderful additions. Just keep the cooking times in mind so everything stays perfectly cooked.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as optional, so adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit them altogether if you prefer mild flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is such a delightful mix of flavors and textures that it never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd. With its quick prep and bold taste, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious, colorful stir-fry tonight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli stir-fry that combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. Chop broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Add the sausage slices, cooking until browned on both sides and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Optionally, add a splash of water and cover the skillet to steam the broccoli for 1 minute for extra tenderness.
- Cook Shrimp and Garlic: Add more oil or butter if needed. Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli with a glossy, sticky layer. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish as desired with fresh herbs or extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can steam the broccoli by adding a splash of water and covering the skillet to keep it crisp yet tender.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Use butter for a richer flavor or olive oil for a lighter option.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
