Ok, so this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies is kinda awesome since it mixes fresh shrimp, smoky sausage bits, and bright veggies all in one pan. It feels like more than just dinner, it’s like a little party in your mouth that’s done in under 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re running late or just wanna chill with friends.

One great thing about this recipe is you can really swap stuff out based on what you got in the fridge. Wanna use wild shrimp or frozen? Go for it. Prefer kielbasa over chorizo? Sure. And adding whatever veggies are in season not only makes it taste better, it looks way more colorful too. Best part, it’s super easy: a few steps and boom, dinner’s ready. Your family will think you spent all day on it!

Section 1: Understanding the Ingredients

To nail this dish you gotta know what each part brings to the table. Here’s a quick look at the main players so you can pick the best stuff.

1.1 Shrimp: The Star of the Dish

Shrimp is the main thing here, giving great taste and healthy protein. When you shop, you can pick:

Fresh Shrimp: tastes the best. It should feel firm and kinda smell like the ocean.
Frozen Shrimp: super handy but make sure you thaw them right so they won’t water down your sauce.
Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: folks say wild shrimp has a better taste and is eco friendlier, but farmed shrimp is cheaper and always looks the same.

Besides tasting good, shrimp is loaded with protein, low in calories, and has omega-3 fats that are good for you.

1.2 Sausage: Adding Depth of Flavor

Sausage brings a big, bold taste to this mix. You can try:

Chorizo: spicy and smoky, it packs a punch.
Kielbasa: Polish sausage with a garlicky vibe that works great with shrimp.
Chicken Sausage: lighter on fat but still gives you that meaty flavor.

Think about the fat and seasoning when you pick a sausage so the flavors don’t fight each other.

1.3 Veggies: Colors and Nutrients

Veggies aren’t just for looks, they add crunch and vitamins. Try these:

Bell Peppers: sweet, crunchy, and come in red, yellow, or green.
Broccoli: full of fiber and good vitamins.
Snap Peas: sweet and crispy, they make everything pop.

Mixing a few veggies gives you a rainbow on your plate and a healthy boost too.

1.4 Honey and Garlic: The Flavor Makers

Honey gives natural sweetness and garlic adds that familiar kick. Together they form a saucy glaze that ties shrimp, sausage, and veggies into one tasty package.

Section 2: Preparing the Dish

Alright, let’s get cooking. Follow these steps and you’ll have this meal ready in no time.

2.1 Ingredients List

1 pound shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
8 ounces sausage (your choice: chorizo, kielbasa, or chicken sausage)
2 cups mixed veggies (like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

2.2 Step-By-Step Directions

2.2.1 Preparing the Ingredients

If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it under cold water and drain well. Peel and devein so you don’t have to deal with shells. Chop veggies into bite-size pieces and slice the sausage nice and thin for even cooking.

2.2.2 Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until it gets brown, about 4-5 minutes, letting the fat flavor the oil.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook 1-2 more minutes until you smell it. Don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter.

3. Pour in the honey and stir so it coats the sausage and garlic in a glossy glaze.

4. Toss in the shrimp and cook about 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them they get rubbery.

5. Finally, add the veggies and sauté another 3-4 minutes, until they’re bright, tender-crisp, and still a bit crunchy.

Section 3: Serving Suggestions

3.1 Best Sides to Pair with Honey Garlic Shrimp

Here’s what goes awesome with this dish:

Rice: white, brown, or jasmine – it soaks up that sweet sauce real good.
Noodles: try rice noodles or egg noodles if you want something heartier.
Salad: a simple green salad with cucumbers and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

3.2 Presentation Tips

Serve it in a big shallow bowl so the colors really pop.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for extra texture.
Squeeze a bit of lime or lemon over everything right before you eat to add some zing.

Section 4: Nutritional Information

This meal isn’t just tasty, it’s got some good stuff in it too. Approx per serving:

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g

You get lean protein from shrimp and sausage, plus vitamins and fiber from the veggies, and a hint of sweetness with not too much sugar.

Section 5: Related Recipes

If you like this honey garlic flavor, check these out:

Honey Garlic Chicken: swap shrimp for chicken breast and keep the same tasty sauce.
Vegetarian Honey Garlic Stir-Fry: use tofu or just veggies for a meatless version that still pops with flavor.

Section 6: FAQs

What is the best type of shrimp to use for this recipe?

Fresh wild-caught shrimp is usually the best since it tastes richer. But good quality frozen shrimp works fine too if you thaw them right.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp is totally okay. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained so your skillet doesn’t get soggy.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you cook the garlic. You can also pick a spicier sausage to crank up the flavor.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to try zucchini, asparagus, or carrots if you want a change. Just cut them to the same size so they cook evenly.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat well before you eat.

Conclusion

So that’s it – a quick, tasty, and colorful Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage & Veggies you can make any night of the week. Give it a try and let me know what you think, i’d love to hear how you change it up!