Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 14 ounces smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the kielbasa into even rounds. Chop the bell peppers, broccoli, onion, garlic, and ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onion, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat every ingredient evenly.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it in gradually while stirring to prevent clumping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed bok choy
- Roasted broccoli
- Stir-fried cabbage
- Zucchini noodles
- Asian cucumber salad
- Garlic green beans
Tips for Success
- Brown the kielbasa well to develop extra flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the vegetables so they stay crisp.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar substitute.
- Add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.
- Double the sauce if serving over vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Recipe Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Include snow peas or snap peas for additional crunch.
- Substitute chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa for a leaner option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Stir in water chestnuts if you’re not strictly limiting carbohydrates.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 17 g
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Potassium: 470 mg
- Vitamin A: 45% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 95% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 10% Daily Value