If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is the perfect dish! This one-pan meal brings together succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetables all coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce. It’s an easy recipe that’s packed with bold flavors and perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and healthy without a lot of fuss.
What is Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies?
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy shrimp, spicy sausage, and a variety of vegetables all tossed in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. The shrimp and sausage are cooked together in one skillet, making it easy to prepare and clean up. The honey garlic sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor, while the sausage and shrimp provide a hearty protein punch.
This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the vegetables and spices to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a meal prep option, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Key Ingredients in Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Shrimp: Large or medium-sized shrimp work best. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking.
- Sausage: Use your favorite type of sausage, whether it’s spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even smoked sausage. Slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
- Vegetables: A mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions adds color and texture to the dish. Feel free to include any vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that deep, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
- Honey: The sweetness of honey balances out the garlic and soy sauce, creating a deliciously sticky glaze for the shrimp and sausage.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the honey.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables, giving them a crispy, caramelized texture.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish adds a fresh, green element to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 sausages (your choice of variety), sliced into rounds
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the empty side. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and coat:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, and toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. You can serve this dish on its own or with rice, quinoa, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Why Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a Favorite
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a fan favorite for several reasons:
- Quick and Simple: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner idea.
- One-Pan Meal: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by switching up the vegetables or protein. Add more spice with hot sausage or extra garlic, or make it lighter by using chicken sausage and your favorite low-carb veggies.
- Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic sauce ties everything together, providing a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy and Balanced: This meal is packed with protein from the shrimp and sausage, and the vegetables add fiber and nutrients, making it a well-rounded dish.
Variations of Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas to increase the nutritional value and variety of the dish.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.
- Grilled option: Grill the shrimp and sausage instead of pan-frying them for a smoky, charred flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp.
- Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Customize the sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy chorizo or smoky kielbasa, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
- Cook in batches if needed: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the shrimp and sausage in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Pairing Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies with Side Dishes
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with a variety of sides to round it out:
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or for a healthier option, quinoa works great to soak up the sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining honey garlic sauce.
- Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would be a refreshing complement to this rich and savory dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan. - Can I make this dish in advance?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili paste to the sauce to bring the heat to your desired level.
Conclusion
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve it on its own or with your favorite side, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.