If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, quick dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe brings together succulent shrimp and smoky sausage tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory with a hint of zing. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, delivering bold flavors and comforting textures all in one skillet. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe comes together effortlessly with a handful of ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, savoriness, and a touch of spice, creating a harmonious dish that’s as vibrant as it is simple.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Smoked sausage (1/2 pound, sliced): Adds smoky depth and hearty texture, complementing the shrimp perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for browning the sausage and creating that first layer of flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s bite.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The aromatic heart of the sauce that infuses everything with warmth.
- Honey (1/3 cup): Brings a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty soy sauce.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides that essential umami kick and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who loves a little fiery edge.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the whole dish with bright, zesty freshness.
- Salt to taste: Fine-tunes the seasoning just right.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh, green garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing on top when serving to add that extra citrus zing.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your sliced smoked sausage and cook until each side turns beautifully browned and crispy. This step not only enhances the sausage’s smoky flavor but also adds a satisfying texture contrast that’s crucial to the dish’s overall deliciousness. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside to make room for the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Base
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté it until the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma, about one minute. This garlic base is where the magic starts; it coats the skillet, infusing every layer of the meal with deep flavor without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now stir in the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This sauce is the heart of the Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe, tying sweet and savory with just the right hint of spice to keep your taste buds singing.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to your simmering sauce. Cook them undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch carefully—they should be tender and juicy without a hint of toughness.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Return the sautéed sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and sausage are generously coated with that sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top and seasoning with salt to taste. This zing of citrus brightens and balances the rich, sweet sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right over the skillet for a pop of green and fresh aroma that compliments each bite. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a splash of brightness as they like.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only makes the dish look stunning but also adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Don’t skip the lemon wedges either; a quick squeeze just before eating elevates all the flavors, adding a zesty brightness that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
When it comes to sides, simplicity wins. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice are perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious honey garlic sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad offer a refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. The goal is to balance the bold skillet flavors with something clean and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this skillet dish family-style right in the pan alongside warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Alternatively, try plating the shrimp and sausage over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty twist. Presentation is all about highlighting that beautiful glaze and colorful parsley garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness and the sauce’s vibrant flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp can be tricky to freeze due to texture changes, you can freeze the sausage and sauce mixture separately if you want to save time later. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add freshly cooked shrimp, and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. To freshen up the dish, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage gives a wonderful smoky depth, you can use kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder cooked sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s already cooked or sliced thinly so it warms through quickly with the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be adapted to be gluten-free. Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the sauce is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, but feel free to add more or sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to amp up the heat according to your taste.
How long can the leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be consumed within 2 days if refrigerated. Beyond that, shrimp tend to lose their texture and freshness, so it’s best to enjoy the dish soon after making it.
What wine pairs well with this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity Pinot Grigio is fantastic here. They complement the sweet and savory flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with a dish as vibrant and satisfying as this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, bursting with incredible layers of flavor, and just the kind of comfort food that makes any day better. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it a regular go-to in your kitchen!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and quick Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet combining juicy shrimp and smoky sausage in a delicious honey garlic sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood & Meat
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, to develop the base flavor for the sauce.
- Prepare honey garlic sauce: Stir in honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they are fully cooked but not overdone.
- Combine sausage and shrimp: Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet. Stir well to coat both shrimp and sausage evenly with the honey garlic sauce.
- Add finishing touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet mixture and season with salt to taste to enhance brightness and balance the flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level or omit completely for a milder dish.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and ease of eating.
- Serve with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a green salad to make a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to retain their juicy texture.
