If you love dishes that bring together a perfect balance of tastes and an irresistible aroma, then this Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. This recipe combines juicy sausage rounds glazed with a luscious honey-garlic soy sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, delivering layers of flavor with every bite. The simple ingredients come together quickly to create a comforting yet elegant dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, the harmony of sweetness, savory depth, and gentle spicy heat will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays a distinct role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes the Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe stand out. These pantry staples are easy to find but deliver so much impact.
- Sausage (1 pound, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): Choose smoked for that smoky depth or uncooked if you prefer freshly browned sausages.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Needed only if using uncooked sausage to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds the essential sweetness and helps form a glossy glaze that clings to every piece of sausage.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings the salty, umami punch that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly; tamari works great for gluten-free diets.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers that irresistible savory aroma and makes the flavor profile pop.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle kick if you want to add some heat.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to a luscious, sticky coating.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): These garnishes add a fresh color contrast and slight crunch.
How to Make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat if you’re using uncooked sausage. Add the sausage rounds and brown them for about 7 to 8 minutes, making sure they’re cooked through and beautifully golden on each side. If your sausage is pre-cooked, you can simply brown the slices in a dry skillet for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a nice caramelized crust. This step is crucial because it creates the perfect base for the sauce to cling to and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your sausage is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of the Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe, bringing together all those irresistible sweet, salty, and tangy notes into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Combine Sausage and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the browned sausage slices in the skillet. Stir everything well to coat each piece evenly. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This simmering allows the sauce to thicken just a touch and intensifies the flavors as it absorbs into the sausage.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
If you want a thicker, stickier glaze that really clings to each sausage slice, stir in the cornstarch slurry now. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce turns glossy and coats every bite. This step is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy that rich, clingy finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle over sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. These simple garnishes bring fresh pops of color, a little crunch, and an added layer of flavor that elevates the dish even more. Your Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top adds a beautiful contrast and a fresh element that complements the rich, sticky sausage. You can also consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or even a dash of crushed peanuts for an extra textural surprise.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or fluffy jasmine rice, soaking up all those flavorful juices. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil work wonders too, creating a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Try serving the honey garlic sausage over a bed of savory mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Alternatively, make it a highlight in lettuce wraps, topping crunchy greens with sausage slices and some crunchy bean sprouts or shredded carrots for a refreshing bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the sausage and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the succulent texture and prevent the sausage from drying out. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can use chicken, pork, or even plant-based sausages — just ensure that the sausage is cooked thoroughly before glazing if it’s not pre-cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and a gluten-free sausage, this Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe is gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! The optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you could also add a splash of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things spicier.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you prefer, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey. Each will bring a slightly different sweetness profile but still pair wonderfully with garlic and soy sauce.
How do I get a thicker sauce without cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it down. Alternatively, a small amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a natural thickener.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, ridiculously tasty, and easily customizable to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand. Give it a try and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation. Trust me — once you taste that glossy, flavorful glaze soaking into perfectly browned sausage, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage is a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring browned sausage slices glazed with a honey soy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Asian-inspired recipe balances the sweetness of honey with savory soy and a hint of spice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 pound smoked or uncooked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using uncooked sausage)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: If using uncooked sausage, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. If using pre-cooked sausage, brown the slices in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the browned sausage and stir to coat the pieces evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): For a thicker, glossy glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes shiny and coats the sausage nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the sausage with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well without losing flavor.
- You can substitute chicken, pork, or plant-based sausages depending on dietary preferences.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of hoisin sauce or a pinch of grated ginger to the sauce mixture.
