Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? You’re dragging after a long day, but your stomach is SCREAMING for something seriously delicious. Takeout again? Nah, let’s skip the delivery fees and questionable ingredients! That’s where my Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet swoops in to save the day.
I’ve been whipping up this recipe for, gosh, probably five years now? It started as a “clean out the fridge” experiment, and it’s become a total staple. Trust me, this isn’t just another quick dinner – it’s *packed* with flavor, ready in legit 25 minutes, and so easy even my teenager can make it without setting off the smoke alarm. We’re talking minimal effort, maximum yum!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Okay, seriously, you NEED this recipe in your life. Why? Let me break it down:
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Seriously, from fridge to table in under 25 minutes. The prep is practically nothing, and the cooking? Even faster!
Incredibly Flavorful
That honey garlic sauce? To die for! It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit of *zing*. My favorite part is how it coats everything.
One-Pan Wonder
Hallelujah for easy cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet, so you’re not stuck doing dishes all night. Less mess = happy cook!
Customizable to Your Taste
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! Not a fan of sausage? Use chicken! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own.
Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!) Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, promise. Just good, simple stuff that comes together like magic. You’ll need:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: I usually grab kielbasa because it’s what my store carries, but honestly, any smoked sausage you love will work! Just slice it up into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Get the big guys! And please, for the love of all that is holy, buy them peeled and deveined. Seriously, who has time for that?
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is our cooking base. Nothing special, just regular olive oil.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Okay, I’m a garlic FIEND, so sometimes I throw in an extra clove or two. Don’t judge. Mince it up nice and fine.
- 1/4 cup honey: This is where the “honey” in “honey garlic” comes from, duh! It adds the perfect sweetness and helps create that sticky, delicious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This brings in the savory, umami flavor that balances the honey perfectly. I use low-sodium, but regular works too.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Don’t skip this! It adds a little tanginess that cuts through the sweetness and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, throw these in! I usually do, but my kids are wimps, so I have to be careful, haha.
- 2 green onions, sliced: These add a pop of freshness and color at the end.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Totally optional, but they make it look extra fancy.
See? Nothing crazy! Now, let’s get cooking!
How To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!): Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? This is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet on the table in no time.
Preparing the Skillet
First, grab your biggest skillet. You’ll want one that’s nice and wide so everything has room to cook. Pour in those 2 tablespoons of olive oil and crank the heat to medium-high. We want it hot, hot, HOT!
Cooking the Sausage
Next, toss in your sliced sausage. Spread it out in the skillet, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it’s nice and browned. You might need to flip it halfway through to get it evenly browned. The smell alone is gonna make you drool!
Adding the Shrimp
Now, add your shrimp! Spread them out too, so they aren’t all piled on top of each other. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery. Yuck!
Creating the Honey Garlic Sauce
Here comes the magic! Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in your minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together really well so the shrimp and sausage are coated in that glorious sauce.
Finishing Touches
Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens up just a bit. Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn! Finally, sprinkle those sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve it up immediately and get ready for some serious yum!
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take this skillet to the *next level*? Here are my top tips for a guaranteed delicious outcome:
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
This is HUGE! If you pile everything in at once, the shrimp and sausage will steam instead of sear, and you’ll end up with a soggy mess. Blech! Cook in batches if you need to. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Taste the sauce as it simmers, and add more honey if you like it sweeter, more soy sauce for extra savory-ness, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for a bigger kick. You’re the boss!
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Okay, this might seem obvious, but it makes a WORLD of difference. Fresh garlic, good-quality sausage, plump shrimp… it all adds up to a more flavorful and satisfying meal. Treat yourself!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Wanna switch things up? No problem! This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet is super forgiving. Here are some of my favorite swaps:
Sausage Options
Okay, I usually use kielbasa, but honestly, any smoked sausage works great! Andouille sausage will give it a spicy kick, or try chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked!
Shrimp Size Matters
I usually go for large shrimp because they’re easy to cook, but you can use medium or even jumbo! Just keep an eye on the cooking time – smaller shrimp will cook faster, and bigger shrimp will need a bit longer. Don’t overcook ’em!
Honey Alternatives
Out of honey? No worries! Maple syrup or agave nectar work great as substitutes. They might change the flavor slightly, but they’ll still be delicious. Just use the same amount as the honey.
Soy Sauce Substitutions
Need a gluten-free option? Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. Or, for a slightly sweeter flavor, try coconut aminos! They’re both readily available at most grocery stores.
Serving Suggestions for Your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Alright, you’ve got this amazing skillet of goodness… but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet:
Over Rice or Noodles
This is my go-to! White rice is classic, but brown rice or even quinoa works great too. For noodles, try egg noodles or even some Asian-style noodles. Yum!
With Roasted Vegetables
Want to keep it healthy? Roast up some broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers! They add a nice crunch and some extra nutrients to your meal. I usually just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them at 400°F until they’re tender.
Alongside Crusty Bread
Okay, this is the BEST way to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to let a single drop go to waste! Grab a loaf of crusty bread, slice it up, and get ready to dunk!
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to put it in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s no longer frozen. Pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet, or it’ll steam instead of sear. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!
What kind of sausage should I use?
Honestly, whatever you like! I’m a big fan of kielbasa for its classic flavor, but andouille sausage adds a spicy kick, and chicken sausage is a lighter option. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked since we’re only browning it in the skillet.
How do I store leftovers?
Easy peasy! Just let the skillet cool down a bit, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (though the shrimp might get a little rubbery), or gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water can help keep it from drying out!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s a *rough* estimate (because, let’s be real, it depends on the exact brands and amounts you use!). Per serving, you’re likely looking at around 450 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Not bad for a super satisfying meal, huh?
Enjoyed This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet (Ready in 25 Min!)?
Woohoo! So glad you tried it! If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below! And don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media – they’ll thank you for it!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp: Craveable 25-Minute Skillet Win
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Skillet recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust honey and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Serve over rice or pasta.
- Use any type of smoked sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg