Spicy Honey Glazed Kielbasa

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking for a recipe that balances sweet and spicy in a wonderfully sticky glaze, this Spicy Honey Glazed Kielbasa is perfect for you. It's quick to prepare, with savory sausage slices enveloped in a luscious sauce that's bursting with flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
  • Minimal ingredients required, making it budget-friendly.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients

1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp chili flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by warming up a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the sliced kielbasa sausage. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they're browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. You want them to have a nice sear for full flavor.

While your sausage is browning, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. This will be your glaze, bursting with sweet and spicy notes.

Once the kielbasa is nicely browned, pour your honey glaze into the skillet. Stir until each sausage slice is well coated. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes. You'll notice the glaze thickening and caramelizing, which is exactly what you want.

Finally, transfer your glazed sausage to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra caramelized glaze, let the sauce reduce just a bit longer while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili flakes or substitute with a milder pepper.
  • Consider using a non-stick skillet to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Honey Glazed Kielbasa pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a mixed green salad or roasted vegetables. It also works great as an appetizer for a party, simply stick each slice with a toothpick and watch them disappear!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional, you can use any smoked sausage you prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Try substituting with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can make the glaze and slice the sausage ahead of time, but for best results, cook the sausage just before serving.

Ingredients Explained

Kielbasa sausage is the star of the show, offering a hearty, savory base with its smoky flavor. The olive oil helps in browning the sausage slices to perfection, adding a touch of richness. Honey provides the sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the sausage, while soy sauce brings umami depth. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy balance to the sweetness. Chili flakes give the dish its spicy kick, and minced garlic infuses it with aromatic warmth. The seasoning is rounded out with black pepper and salt, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour the honey glaze over the browned kielbasa in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly.
4. Lower the heat and let the kielbasa simmer in the glaze for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
5. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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