Sausage broccoli stir-fry is a weeknight dinner champion! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This dish perfectly combines savory sausage with crisp-tender broccoli, creating a satisfying meal the whole family will love. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. For another quick and easy meal, try our Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Why this Sausage Broccoli Stir-Fry is Special
This recipe is fantastic because you can use any type of sausage you like – Italian, andouille, or even kielbasa. It’s also super easy to add other veggies like peppers, onions, or carrots. It’s a great way to enjoy something a little indulgent while still getting your veggies in! If you enjoy cooking sausage, you might also like our Italian Sausage in Oven recipe.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 10 to 12 ounces fresh broccoli crowns (about 2 large or 3 medium). Cut into bite-sized florets.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds the best flavor!
- Sausage: 12 to 16 ounces andouille sausage. Italian sausage or kielbasa also work well. Remove casings if necessary and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided. Canola or peanut oil work well too.
- Seasoning: 3/4 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning with salt. Adjust to your taste. A little extra kick adds depth!
- Water: 2/3 cup water. This helps steam the broccoli and create a delicious sauce.
Optional additions:
- Bell Peppers: 1 red or yellow bell pepper, sliced.
- Onion: 1/2 medium onion, sliced.
- Carrots: 1 cup sliced carrots.
These extra veggies add color, flavor, and nutrients. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! For more inspiration, check out our Chicken Peppers and Onions recipe.
Sausage Options
Italian sausage offers a classic savory flavor, while andouille brings a smoky, spicy kick. Kielbasa adds a unique, garlicky twist. Feel free to experiment! Any of these sausages work well in this stir-fry. You can even use ground sausage if that’s what you have on hand.
Broccoli Preparation
First, rinse the broccoli head under cold water. Then, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can use the stems too! Just peel the tough outer layer and slice them into thin coins. This helps reduce food waste and adds extra nutrients. For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this article from Healthline.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready to make a delicious and easy stir-fry! These steps will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Preparing the Sausage
First, remove the casings from the sausage if necessary. Slice the sausage into ¼-inch thick rounds. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan – you might need to cook the sausage in batches. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
Stir-frying Technique
Now, it’s time to stir-fry! Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you’re adding other vegetables like onions, peppers, or carrots, add them now and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Remember, high heat and constant stirring are key to a good stir-fry! This helps to cook the vegetables evenly and quickly, keeping them crisp-tender. Looking for more stir-fry inspiration? Check out our Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle the Cajun or Creole seasoning over the sausage and vegetables. Pour in the 2/3 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of honey. A touch of grated ginger also adds a nice zing! For tips on cooking with different types of sausage, see our article on what temperature Italian sausage should be cooked at.
Tips and Variations of Sausage Broccoli Stir-Fry
Here are some tips and variations to make this sausage broccoli stir-fry your own!
Customizing Your Stir-Fry
Get creative with your stir-fry! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds some heat. For a nutty crunch, toss in some cashews or sesame seeds at the end. Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. For some healthy eating tips, check out Verywellhealth’s guide to the healthiest vegetables.
Making it a Complete Meal
Serve your stir-fry over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. For rice, use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. For noodles, cook according to package directions. Quinoa cooks similarly to rice, using a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa.
Kid-Friendly Adaptations
For picky eaters, use a milder sausage like Italian sausage. Skip the spicy seasonings or add them separately for the adults. Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce. Cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces can also make them more appealing to kids.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
To make this vegetarian or vegan, substitute the sausage with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water and then cube it before cooking. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives. For a vegan version, ensure your Cajun or Creole seasoning doesn’t contain any animal products. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for extra flavor.
Your Sausage Broccoli Stir-Fry Questions Answered
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about sausage broccoli stir-fry.
Does sausage work in a stir-fry?
Absolutely! Sausage is a fantastic addition to stir-fries. It cooks quickly, adds tons of flavor, and browns beautifully. The flavorful fat from the sausage also helps to coat the vegetables and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Do I need to boil broccoli before stir frying?
No, you don’t need to boil the broccoli before stir-frying. Boiling can make the broccoli mushy. This recipe keeps it simple by stir-frying the broccoli directly, which results in perfectly crisp-tender florets. If you prefer a softer broccoli, you can blanch it briefly, but it’s not necessary.
How to cook sausage with broccoli?
The sausage is cooked first until browned and then set aside. The broccoli is then stir-fried with the other vegetables. Finally, the cooked sausage is added back to the skillet to combine with the vegetables and sauce. This ensures that both the sausage and broccoli are cooked perfectly. See the detailed instructions above for step-by-step guidance.
What vegetables pair well with sausage?
Many vegetables go great with sausage in a stir-fry! Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, and snap peas are all delicious options. Feel free to experiment and add your favorites!
Serving and Storage
Here are some tips for serving and storing your delicious sausage broccoli stir-fry.
Garnishing Ideas
A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can elevate your stir-fry. These garnishes add a pop of flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also adds a bright, fresh element.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Make sure the stir-fry has cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation and potential spoilage.
Reheating Tips
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat for the best results. This helps to maintain the texture of the vegetables and prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, which can make the broccoli rubbery.
Conclusion
This sausage broccoli stir-fry is a weeknight winner! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and customize to your liking. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Sausage Broccoli Stir-fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage Italian, andouille, or kielbasa
- 1 large head broccoli cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
- Remove sausage casings if necessary and slice into ¼-inch rounds.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to skillet, then add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add onion, peppers (if using), and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return sausage to skillet.
- Sprinkle with Cajun or Creole seasoning.
- Pour in water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- For a richer flavor, add soy sauce, honey, or ginger.