If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, colors, and textures all in one pan, the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is an absolute must-try. This meal is a delightful harmony of sweet honey, savory garlic, juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant broccoli that comes together quickly and easily. It’s perfect for hectic weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends or family. Every bite delivers a mouthwatering balance of tastes and makes for a satisfying, wholesome dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating that irresistible honey garlic magic in your dish. Each component plays a pivotal role—whether it’s providing texture, adding color, or infusing the dish with those tempting rich flavors.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These juicy shrimp offer a tender, sweet bite that’s the star protein of the dish.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Adds smoky depth and a satisfying meaty texture to complement the shrimp.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant green color to brighten up the pan.
- 3 tablespoons honey: The key sweetener that beautifully balances garlic and soy sauce with a natural richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a pungent, aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that essential salty umami backbone to the honey glaze.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and broccoli to crispy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, adding luscious creaminess and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat that can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): A bright finishing touch that lifts the entire dish with subtle acidity.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Peel and devein those large shrimp for a clean, easy-to-eat bite. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds for even cooking, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets that will cook quickly and stay crisp. Mince the garlic finely so its flavor infuses perfectly during sautéing. Setting everything aside now means a smooth cooking process later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Broccoli
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the sausage slices and let them brown just until they get slightly crispy around the edges—this caramelization adds a delightful smoky crunch. Remove the sausage from the pan to keep warm. In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli florets and cook them until they turn a vibrant green and soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch. Set them aside with the sausage to reunite later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Still using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them pink, opaque, and perfectly tender without overcooking. Shrimp cook fast, so keep a close eye. Once done, remove them from the skillet so you can prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—this garlic aroma is the heart of our sauce. Next, stir in honey, soy sauce, and if you like a little kick, red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and gets that glossy, irresistible sheen.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the browned sausage, tender broccoli, and succulent shrimp to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Toss everything together to coat all those tasty ingredients evenly. Let it cook together for another couple of minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and everything is heated through. If you want, splash a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the entire dish just before serving.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to introduce a fresh, herbal note and pretty pop of green. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty texture and visual interest that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or warm garlic butter noodles takes things up a notch. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or roasted baby potatoes work beautifully, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for comfort food with a twist. Alternatively, plate it in colorful bowls alongside quinoa and a lemon wedge for a vibrant and healthful meal. Even stuffing the mixture into warm pita pockets or wraps makes for a fun and handheld dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
While freezing cooked shrimp dishes isn’t always ideal because shrimp can become rubbery, you can freeze the sausage and broccoli with the sauce separately. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the shrimp tender and the broccoli crisp. Stir frequently, and if the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet, which can prevent proper browning.
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage adds the perfect flavor and texture contrast, but you can also use kielbasa or even spicy chorizo for a twist, depending on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe itself is mild, but adding the optional red pepper flakes gives it a pleasant, gentle heat. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice level.
Can I substitute the broccoli with another vegetable?
Absolutely! Snap peas, asparagus, or bell peppers are fantastic alternatives that will hold up well during cooking and add their own unique flavors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the full flavor without worry.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe, it’s likely to become a favorite go-to meal in your repertoire. It’s fast, flavorful, and combines some of the best textures and tastes in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish delivers joy with every bite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—it’s too good to miss!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and quick skillet dish combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender broccoli florets coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal ready in just 25 minutes, it offers a delicious balance of protein and vegetables with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. The dish is tossed together seamlessly in one skillet for convenient cooking and cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp, slice the smoked sausage into pieces, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic cloves and set all the prepared ingredients aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside. Using the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender. Remove the broccoli and set aside with the sausage.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well to coat evenly and cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Optionally, drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving to add a bright finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Shrimp cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille sausage.
- The optional lemon juice adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
