Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage & Veggie Stir-Fry

Let me tell you about the kind of dinner that saves the day. You know those nights when everyone’s hungry, the clock is ticking, and you just need something good on the table without a fuss? That’s where this Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage & Veggie Stir-Fry comes in. It’s a hearty, one-pan wonder that combines savory smoked sausage with colorful, crisp-tender vegetables, all glazed in a sticky-sweet sauce with a garlicky kick. It’s not authentically Asian; it’s just authentically delicious, born from my need for a quick, satisfying meal that my whole crew would love. Even better, it’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that feels like a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love this recipe because it checks every box for a busy cook. It’s incredibly quick, coming together in about 20 minutes from start to finish. That makes it a perfect easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a fantastic healthy dinner recipe, as it’s packed with colorful veggies and lean protein. And because it all cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a absolute breeze. But the real star is that sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of zing. So good. Honestly, I make this at least twice a month because it’s one of those reliable dinner dishes that never gets old.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (14-16 oz) fully cooked smoked turkey sausage, sliced into rounds – for that hearty, smoky flavor without the pork.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced – for a slightly sharper flavor and more color.
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced – creates a sweet, savory base.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – gives the dish a great texture and a nutritional boost.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – the essential base for our sauce.
• 1/3 cup honey – creates the sweet, glossy glaze for the sauce.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari) – provides the salty, umami backbone.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – adds a necessary tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our veggies and sausage.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) – gives a final, nutty aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for just a hint of heat.

Step by Step Method

1. First, make your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set this aside. Trust me, having it ready to go makes the cooking process so smooth.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until it starts to get a little browned on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. In that same skillet, add your bell peppers, onion, and broccoli. Sauté the veggies for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be crisp-tender – still having a little bite to them, not mushy.
4. Push the veggies to the sides of the skillet, creating a little well in the center. Add the minced garlic to the center and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
5. Now, return the sausage to the skillet and pour your prepared honey garlic sauce over everything. Give it all a good stir to coat everything evenly in that glorious sauce. Let it bubble away for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the sausage and veggies.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re using it, drizzle the sesame oil over the top and give it one final stir. That’s it! Dinner is served.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of what makes it such a great quick dinner idea. A large skillet (a 12-inch works perfectly) or a wok is your main tool. You’ll also want a good sharp knife for prepping your vegetables and sausage, a cutting board, a small bowl for whipping up the sauce, and a whisk or a fork for combining the sauce ingredients. That’s truly all there is to it!

Flavor Twists

This recipe is a wonderful base that you can easily tweak based on what you have or what you’re craving. For a different veggie combo, try swapping in sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or sugar snap peas. If you want to turn it into more of a pasta dinner recipe, toss the finished stir-fry with cooked pasta like penne or rigatoni. The sauce makes a fantastic coating. For a touch of creaminess, swirl in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. And if you’re feeding a crowd that loves spice, add a extra pinch of those red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This stir-fry is a complete meal all on its own, but I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up every last drop of that honey garlic sauce. It’s also fantastic spooned over quinoa or rice noodles for a different twist. For a simple side, a light cucumber salad or some quick-pickled carrots add a refreshing, crunchy contrast. And if you’re looking for the ultimate easy meals experience, just grab a fork and dig right in!

Storage Tips

Any leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for maintaining texture. Just warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the vegetables can become a bit soft and watery when thawed.

Meal-Prep Version

This is a dream meal for prepping ahead! On a Sunday, slice all your sausage and vegetables and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Whisk the sauce together and keep it in a small jar or container. When dinner time rolls around during the week, you’re already 90% done. Just heat your skillet and you can have this healthy dinner on the table in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate trick for nailing those easy healthy dinner goals on your busiest days.

FAQs

• Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Pre-cooked chicken sausage, leftover shredded chicken, or even a can of drained chickpeas (added with the sauce) would work great for a different take on this easy meal.
• Is this stir-fry kid-friendly? For the most part, yes! The sweet honey garlic sauce is usually a big hit. If your kids are wary of spice, simply leave out the red pepper flakes. You can always add a sprinkle to the adult portions at the end.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free? It’s super easy! Just ensure your smoked sausage is labeled gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Then you’ve got a perfect gluten-free healthy dinner recipe.
• What’s the best way to get my broccoli tender without overcooking it? I find that cutting the florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces helps them cook through quickly alongside the other veggies. If you’re worried, you can blanch them in boiling water for 60 seconds before adding them to the stir-fry, but I rarely find it necessary.