Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies Recipe
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies! is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of shrimp and sausage, complemented by a vibrant array of vegetables and a sticky, sweet honey garlic sauce. It’s the perfect choice for home cooks looking for a quick yet satisfying meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. The combination of protein from the shrimp and sausage, along with the nutrients from the assorted vegetables, makes this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
This recipe’s popularity stems from its simplicity and versatility, allowing cooks to customize it based on available ingredients or personal preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a mild dinner or a spicy kick, this dish can accommodate a variety of palates, making it a hit for families and friends alike. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, thanks to its one-pan method, which is a blessing for busy weeknights.
In addition to being a tasty meal, shrimp and vegetables offer numerous health benefits. Shrimp are a great source of lean protein and important nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Meanwhile, the assortment of vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting overall well-being. Together, this dish presents a flavorful and health-conscious choice for dinner, making it an excellent addition to any home-cooked menu.
Ingredients
For a successful Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined (large shrimp are preferred for this recipe)
- Sausage: 1 pound (choose your favorite, such as smoked sausage or kielbasa)
- Vegetables: 2 cups assorted (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini work well)
- Honey: 1/4 cup for the sweet sauce
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for flavor
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, for umami richness
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for cooking
- Red Pepper Flakes: (optional) for heat
When it comes to ingredient substitutions, consider using tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp to make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For the sausage, try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative. You can also mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as carrots, asparagus, or even frozen mixed vegetables.
To ensure you select the freshest ingredients, visit a local farmers’ market or seafood market. For frozen shrimp, choose high-quality varieties that are flash-frozen to preserve their flavor and texture.
Recipe
Directions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to prep all your ingredients. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if you haven’t done so already. This process ensures that your shrimp is clean and ready to absorb the flavors of the dish. Next, chop your assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Having everything prepared in advance will make the cooking process smoother and quicker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully when they come together in the pan.
2. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
To create the delicious honey garlic sauce, combine the minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This sweet and savory sauce will tie all the flavors together, so be sure to taste it and adjust the balance of sweetness and saltiness according to your preference. If you’re adding heat, this is also the time to include red pepper flakes.
3. Cooking the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage. Browning the sausage is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the overall dish. Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, keeping the flavorful oils in the pan.
4. Cooking the Veggies
In the same pan, add your chopped vegetables. Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as broccoli and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, then add the quicker-cooking veggies, like snap peas or zucchini. Stir-fry the vegetables until they’re crisp-tender, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. The goal is to retain their vibrant colors and crunch while allowing them to absorb some of the sausage flavors left in the pan.
5. Combining Everything Together
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the sausage to the pan and pour the honey garlic sauce over everything. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat them in the sauce. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and all the flavors meld together. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies!
Cooking Tips
- Best cooking equipment to use: A large skillet or wok is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly and allowing for easy stirring.
- How to achieve perfect shrimp: Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes when added to the hot pan.
- Tips for balancing flavors: Taste as you cook! Adjust the sweetness of the honey or the saltiness of the soy sauce to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies offers a delicious combination of flavors along with valuable nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information:
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Protein: 28g from shrimp and sausage
- Fat: 15g, primarily from sausage and olive oil
- Carbohydrates: 25g, mostly from vegetables and honey
- Fiber: 4g from the assorted vegetables
In addition to being tasty, shrimp and vegetables provide numerous health benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, while vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies, consider the following side dishes and beverage pairings:
- Side Dishes: Fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice makes a perfect base for scooping up the shrimp and veggies. Quinoa is another nutritious option, offering a hit of protein. A simple green salad adds freshness, while a crusty bread can soak up the extra sauce.
- Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé pairs beautifully with the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try pairing with iced tea or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Stir frequently until heated through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Variations and Add-Ons
Here are some ways to customize your Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies:
- Spicy Additions: For those who enjoy heat, incorporate chili paste or sriracha into the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptations: Swap out shrimp for tofu or chickpeas and use plant-based sausage or skip it altogether for a veggie-focused dish.
- Other Vegetable Options: Feel free to mix in different vegetables based on what you have. Carrots, asparagus, or even frozen mixed veggies can be great alternatives.
FAQs
What is the best type of shrimp to use?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe, but you can use medium or small shrimp based on your preference.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What types of sausage work best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa are excellent choices due to their rich flavor, but any sausage you enjoy will work.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total time from prep to serving is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy choice for dinner.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to speed up the cooking process.
Conclusion
With its delightful combination of flavors, the Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is not only a quick meal but also a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. We encourage you to try the recipe and make it your own with your favorite ingredients and variations!
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies!
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced About 2 links.
- 2 cups bell peppers, sliced About 1 large pepper.
- 1 cup broccoli florets About 1 small head.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Green onions, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and heated through.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and soy sauce. Pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat all ingredients. Allow to cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve the shrimp and sausage mixture over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preference or seasonal availability.
