Who doesn’t love a dish that is both hearty and healthy? Garlic butter shrimp sausage & broccoli is the perfect blend of savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re craving something quick, delicious, and satisfying for dinner, or looking to impress your guests with an easy yet luxurious meal, this dish has got you covered. With the perfect combination of shrimp, sausage, and broccoli all wrapped in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, this dish is a true winner. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients that will come together to create this magical dish.
- Shrimp: The Star of the Dish
Shrimp are the true stars here. They cook quickly and absorb flavors wonderfully, making them the perfect protein for this dish. Make sure to peel and devein them, keeping their tails on for added flavor. - Sausage: A Flavorful Addition
To balance out the delicate shrimp, sausage provides a rich, savory kick. Choose a sausage that you love – whether it’s spicy chorizo or classic Italian sausage, it’ll elevate the overall taste. - Broccoli: A Healthy Complement
Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients to the dish, creating a balance of flavor and texture. It pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce. - Butter and Garlic: The Key Flavor Enhancers
Garlic and butter create the heart of this dish, infusing everything with that irresistible fragrance. You’ll use butter to sauté the garlic and mix it with the shrimp and sausage.
Why Garlic Butter?
The combination of garlic and butter is not just a classic but a legendary duo. But why exactly does this combination work so well?
- The Richness of Butter
Butter brings a silky smooth texture to the dish and allows the flavors of the garlic, shrimp, and sausage to meld together. It coats every ingredient, creating a satisfying and indulgent flavor. - The Aroma of Garlic
Garlic adds that unmistakable aroma that instantly makes your kitchen smell divine. When sautéed in butter, it becomes rich and aromatic, making it the ideal base for your shrimp and sausage. - How Butter and Garlic Enhance the Dish
Together, garlic and butter create a savory, slightly sweet sauce that makes every bite feel luxurious. They infuse the shrimp and sausage with flavor, while broccoli soaks up just enough of the sauce to complement its mild taste.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make your garlic butter shrimp sausage & broccoli dish from start to finish:
- Preparing the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for extra flavor. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture while cooking. - Sautéing the Sausage
Slice your sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage until it becomes browned and crispy. Set it aside. - Cooking the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until golden brown. Pour this mixture over the cooked shrimp and sausage, then toss everything together.
Combining the Ingredients
Now that everything is cooked, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well coated, allowing the flavors to mingle. Serve right away, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, if you like.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is flexible enough to complement a wide range of sides. Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or iced tea makes the perfect accompaniment to this savory dish.
Health Benefits of Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli
- Shrimp as a Source of Protein
Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake or looking to build muscle. - The Nutritional Value of Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense addition to the dish. - Sausage and Its Flavorful Contributions
While sausage is rich in flavor, it’s also a good source of fat and protein, providing a satisfying balance to the meal.
Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is adaptable to many dietary preference
- Making it Low Carb or Keto-Friendly
Skip the rice or pasta and serve the dish with cauliflower rice to keep it low carb or keto-friendly. - Vegan or Vegetarian Alternatives
Use plant-based sausage and swap out the shrimp for tofu or other plant-based protein sources to create a vegan version. - Spice Up the Dish: Adding Heat
If you enjoy spicy food, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks rapidly, so be sure not to overcook it.It should be pink and opaque, but not rubbery. - Sautéing Sausage Incorrectly
Make sure to cook the sausage in batches, allowing it to get a crispy texture without overcrowding the pan. - Underseasoning the Broccoli
Don’t forget to season your broccoli with salt, pepper, and garlic to enhance its flavor and balance out the richness of the butter sauce.
Tips for a Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli
- Perfecting the Garlic Butter Sauce
Use fresh garlic and be mindful not to burn it while sautéing. The key is to cook it just until it turns golden. - Timing the Cooking Process
Be sure to time each ingredient so everything is ready at the same time. The shrimp should be cooked at the last minute to keep it tender. - Garnishing for Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds color and a burst of freshness to your dish.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
Garlic butter shrimp sausage & broccoli is loved by many because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Plus, It’s a favorite among both kids and adults. You can serve it for a weeknight dinner or even make it for a special occasion – it’s sure to impress!
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli Works So Well Together
The combination of shrimp, sausage, and broccoli creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery richness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and crunchy broccoli, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Cooking Variations
- Adding Lemon for a Zesty Flavor
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a zesty twist to the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce. - Using Different Sausages
Feel free to experiment with different sausages, like smoked sausage or kielbasa, to change the flavor profile of the dish. - Incorporating Other Vegetables
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrients.
How to Store Leftovers
- Storing in the Fridge
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. - Reheating Tips
Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter to keep it moist and flavorful.
Conclusion
Garlic butter shrimp sausage & broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the richness of butter and garlic with the savory goodness of shrimp, sausage, and broccoli. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!
FAQs
- Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add spicy sausage or extra chili flakes. It’s generally mild. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving. - What side dishes go well with garlic butter shrimp sausage & broccoli?
Rice, pasta, or a simple salad are all great sides to pair with this dish. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use plant-based sausage for a vegan version.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz 225g sausage, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli into small florets.
Cook the Sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the broccoli florets for 5-6 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked sausage, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the mixture and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
