Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds! Imagine succulent shrimp and savory sausage, perfectly glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of combining these ingredients are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Shrimp, a delicacy enjoyed for centuries across various cultures, represents the bounty of the sea. Sausage, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, offers a hearty and satisfying protein source. The marriage of honey and garlic, a flavor combination revered in Asian cuisine for its balance of sweet and savory, adds a layer of complexity and depth.

What makes this Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage recipe so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors! The sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the pungent garlic, while the shrimp provides a delicate, slightly sweet counterpoint to the rich, smoky sausage. The texture is equally delightful – the tender shrimp, the slightly crisp sausage casing, all coated in a luscious, sticky sauce. Beyond the taste and texture, this dish is incredibly convenient. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp and sausage!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
• 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 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
• For the Sausage:
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Serving Suggestions (Optional):
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
• Crusty bread, for dipping

Preparing the Honey Garlic Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started with the shrimp! This part is super quick and easy, so you’ll have delicious, glazed shrimp in no time.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: First, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set this aside for now. This sauce is the star of the show!
3. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a beautiful, glossy finish.
4. Sear the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or they won’t sear properly. You might need to do this in batches.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
6. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
7. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat.
8. Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
10. Set Aside: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Preparing the Sausage and Peppers:

Now, let’s move on to the sausage and peppers. This is where we build a hearty and flavorful base for our dish.

1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casings (if using). You can either slice the sausage into coins or crumble it. I personally prefer crumbling it for this recipe, as it distributes the flavor more evenly.
2. Brown the Sausage: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same large skillet (or a separate one if you prefer) over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Again, be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if you have time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage might already be salty, so taste before adding more salt.

Combining the Shrimp and Sausage:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Let’s bring these two delicious components together.

1. Add the Shrimp to the Sausage: Gently fold the honey garlic shrimp into the sausage and pepper mixture.
2. Heat Through: Heat everything through for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp at this stage.
3. Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking!

• Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• With Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta shape, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Make sure to reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
• In a Sandwich: Spoon the shrimp and sausage mixture into a crusty roll for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sausage and pepper mixture, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Use Different Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille, for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the vegetables for added depth of flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic has a much stronger and more vibrant flavor than garlic powder.
• Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, more complex taste.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Use a Good Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a sausage that you enjoy.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. I know I’m biased, but the combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and the delightful snap of the shrimp sausage is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up. The ingredients are readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward. But don’t let the ease fool you – the end result is a dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully, coating the shrimp sausage in a sticky, sweet, and savory goodness that will have you licking your plate clean.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Over Rice or Noodles: Serve this Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The sauce soaks into the rice or noodles perfectly, adding an extra layer of flavor.
* In Tacos or Wraps: Dice the shrimp sausage and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some shredded cabbage, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious and portable meal.
* With Roasted Vegetables: Toss the cooked shrimp sausage with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and onions for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* As an Appetizer: Cut the shrimp sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve it as an appetizer at your next party. Your guests will be raving about it!
* Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic glaze.
* Add Some Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
* Different Sausage: While I love the shrimp sausage, you could experiment with other types of sausage, like chicken or pork sausage, for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.

I truly believe that this Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!