Curious how a simple 20‑minute meal can deliver gourmet flavors in every bite?
Imagine juicy shrimp and smoky sausage sizzling in garlic‑butter bliss, tossed with crisp broccoli and vibrant peppers. This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sausage Stir‑Fry defies the myth that quick dinners lack depth or richness—it’s quick, bold, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced ¼″
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Step‑by‑Step
Step 1: Prep & blanch broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1 min until bright green and crisp‑tender. Drain and shock in ice water to preserve color. Set aside.
Step 2: Saute sausage
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add sausage slices and cook 3‑4 min per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook shrimp
In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp butter. Sprinkle shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 1–2 min per side until just pink and slightly curled. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir‑fry vegetables
Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 Tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 sec. Add red pepper and blanched broccoli. Stir‑fry 2–3 min until veggies are tender‑crisp.
Step 5: Combine & season
Return sausage and shrimp to skillet. Drizzle soy sauce and lemon juice. Toss gently for 1 min to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Garnish & serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own.
Variations
- Swap broccoli for asparagus or snow peas
- Use chicken sausage for poultry lovers
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha
- For gluten‑free, swap soy sauce with tamari
COOKING Note
- Don’t overcook shrimp—stop when they curl just 90°
- Dry shrimp thoroughly to avoid soggy stir‑fry
- Maintain medium‑high heat for crisp‑tender veggies
- Choose smoked sausage (like andouille) for more depth
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Garlic or lemon butter rice bowls
- Tossed with rice noodles and garnished with cilantro
- With a side of crusty bread to soak up juices
Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten each bite and balance richness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Cool to room temperature before storing.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture.
- Prep veggies or shrimp in advance to save time!
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values; verify with a nutrition calculator.)
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for less saturated fat
- Substitute 1 Tbsp olive oil + 2 Tbsp light butter for reduced butter
- Swap soy sauce for low‑sodium tamari or coconut aminos
- Bulk up veggie content for more fiber and volume
- Skip sausage and use extra shrimp for a leaner dish
- Cook shrimp in heart‑healthy olive oil instead of butter
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the pan: Causes steaming, not sautéing—cook in batches for best texture.
- Overcooking shrimp: Leads to rubbery seafood—remove shrimp once pink.
- Skipping blanch: Blanching broccoli speeds up cooking and keeps vibrant color.
- Neglecting seasoning: Adjust salt & lemon at end for balanced flavor.
- Too much sauce: Measure soy and lemon to keep flavors bright, not overly salty.
Conclusion
The Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sausage Stir‑Fry proves you can have gourmet-level flavor in under 20 minutes! With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, crisp veggies, and a garlic‑butter finish, this dish delivers big taste without fuss. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how you personalize it—drop a comment below or tag your creation on social media!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze this stir‑fry?
A: Not recommended—sausage and shrimp textures may degrade. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days instead.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No, it’s mild. For spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha with the garlic.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: What makes the sauce glossy?
A: The butter‑soy sauce combo emulsifies into a light glaze that coats everything beautifully.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute sausage and shrimp for smoked tofu or tempeh. Add broccoli, peppers, and garlic for a veggie-packed version.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Sausage Stir-Fry brings bold flavor with tender shrimp, savory sausage, and crisp veggies. Ready in 20 min—perfect for quick dinners!
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced ¼″
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water, then shock in ice water and set aside.
2. Sauté sausage slices in olive oil until golden brown and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika until pink.
4. Add more butter and sauté garlic briefly, then stir-fry red peppers and blanched broccoli.
5. Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with soy sauce and lemon juice, and toss to coat.
6. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot over rice, noodles, or alone.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should curl to a gentle “C” shape.
Blanching the broccoli preserves its bright green color and texture.
Use smoked sausage for extra flavor depth.
Adjust lemon and soy sauce balance based on your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp stir-fry, shrimp sausage recipe, quick stir-fry