Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with my Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe. This quick and easy one-skillet meal combines succulent shrimp, hearty smoked sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious honey garlic sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite, offering a delicious and balanced meal in just about 30 minutes!
The Art of One-Skillet Cooking
One-skillet meals have been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. They offer convenience, minimize cleanup, and allow flavors to meld beautifully as ingredients cook together. This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe embraces this time-honored cooking method, bringing together a variety of textures and tastes in one harmonious dish.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 230g (8 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
- 180g (2 cups) broccoli florets
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) honey
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 14g (1 tablespoon) butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
- Begin by heating 15ml (1 tablespoon) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly when it’s hot enough.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned on all sides. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish.
- Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about keeping it warm; it will be reheated later.
2. Sauté the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add 14g (1 tablespoon) of butter. As it melts, it will pick up some of the flavors left behind by the sausage.
- Add the broccoli florets to the melted butter. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the broccoli to be crisp-tender – cooked through but still with a bit of crunch.
- Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the sausage.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn from grey to a lovely pink color and curl up slightly when they’re done. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare your honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 45ml (3 tablespoons) of honey, 30ml (2 tablespoons) of soy sauce, and the minced garlic until well combined.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, pour the honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet.
- Let the sauce simmer with the shrimp for about 2 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly and coat the shrimp beautifully.
5. Combine and Serve
- Finally, return the cooked sausage and broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- Gently toss everything together, ensuring all components are well-coated with the honey garlic sauce. Let it all heat through for about a minute.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the soy sauce already adds some saltiness, so you may not need much additional salt.
- Serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli hot, straight from the skillet for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 380
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 32g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a testament to the magic that can happen in a single skillet. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and the umami depth of soy sauce creates a sauce that perfectly complements the trio of main ingredients. The shrimp provides a delicate seafood flavor and tender texture, while the smoked sausage adds a hearty, smoky element. The broccoli not only contributes essential nutrients but also offers a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer textures of the proteins.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and efficiency. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests. The one-skillet approach not only makes cooking and cleanup a breeze but also allows the flavors to build and meld throughout the cooking process.
For those looking to customize the dish, consider these variations:
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap the broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Use chicken sausage for a leaner option or chorizo for a spicier kick.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Remember, the key to this dish’s success lies in the timing. Each component is cooked separately to ensure perfect doneness before being brought together at the end. This method prevents overcooking and ensures that each ingredient maintains its ideal texture.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick and satisfying meal, a home cook wanting to impress with minimal effort, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-balanced dish, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire. So grab your favorite skillet and prepare to delight your taste buds with this harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Bon appétit!