Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli

Imagine tender shrimp and savory sausage glazed in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, perfectly complemented by crisp-tender broccoli florets. This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli is a mouthwatering one-pan wonder that combines protein and vegetables in a harmonious blend of flavors. The aromatic garlic and honey create an irresistible caramelized coating that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll learn how to create this balanced meal with minimal effort while maximizing flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The textural contrast is remarkable—plump, juicy shrimp alongside hearty sausage bites and crisp-tender broccoli creates a satisfying eating experience. The honey garlic sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes that coats every ingredient beautifully.

What’s more, this dish is remarkably versatile. It works wonderfully served over rice, quinoa, or noodles, making it adaptable to what you have on hand. The one-pan approach means minimal cleanup, and the recipe scales easily for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

For this delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli dish, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (andouille or kielbasa work well)
• 4 cups (280g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup (85g) honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The honey should be pure and runny for the best sauce consistency, while fresh broccoli provides better texture than frozen in this quick-cooking dish.

Pro Tips

Properly Prepare Your Shrimp: For the perfect texture in your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking. This removes excess moisture that would otherwise steam the shrimp instead of searing it. Well-dried shrimp will develop a beautiful caramelization when they hit the hot pan, enhancing both flavor and appearance.

Master the Sauce Consistency: The honey garlic sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for 1-2 minutes longer. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. The perfect consistency ensures the sauce will cling to the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli without pooling at the bottom of the pan.

Perfect Timing for Broccoli: For optimal texture, blanch the broccoli for just 1 minute in boiling water, then immediately shock in ice water before adding it to the stir-fry. This pre-cooking step ensures your broccoli will be vibrant green and crisp-tender in the final dish, rather than either too crunchy or sadly overcooked.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This honey garlic mixture is the flavor foundation of our dish, so take time to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ½ tablespoon olive oil and once hot, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow proper browning, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until both sides are golden and slightly crisp. The caramelization adds depth of flavor to your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them – they should have a slight curve but not curl into tight circles. Remove to the plate with the sausage.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the same pan with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 2 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes crisp-tender. Remove the lid and allow any remaining water to evaporate.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the sausage and shrimp to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own for a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage: For heat lovers, transform your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or gochujang to the sauce. The sweet-spicy combination creates an exciting flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and sausage. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños for additional heat and visual appeal.

Vegetable-Forward Version: Turn this into a veggie-packed powerhouse by adding 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 cup sliced mushrooms along with the broccoli. This colorful variation of honey garlic shrimp with sausage not only looks impressive but also adds more nutrients and textures. For a completely different twist, substitute cauliflower for the broccoli and add a tablespoon of curry powder to the sauce for an unexpected flavor direction.

Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Make this dish suitable for low-carb diets by replacing the honey with a sugar-free substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (use about half the amount as these are sweeter). Add a tablespoon of unsweetened almond butter to maintain the sauce’s richness and body. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a complete keto-friendly meal that maintains all the delicious flavors of the original dish.

Storage and Serving

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revitalize the sauce. Microwaving is convenient but may slightly overcook the shrimp, so use 50% power and heat in short intervals.

For serving, present this colorful dish over a bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, pair with a side of simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Alternatively, serve in lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb option that’s perfect for casual entertaining. For a heartier presentation, stuff the mixture into warm pita pockets with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean fusion approach.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli dish. Thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

What’s the best sausage to use?
Andouille or kielbasa are ideal for their smoky flavor and firm texture. However, any pre-cooked smoked sausage will work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well for 2-3 days. For best results, slightly undercook the broccoli initially so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.

Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace honey, though each will alter the flavor profile slightly. Adjust quantities to taste as maple syrup is less sweet than honey.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying with protein-packed shrimp and sausage complemented by nutritious broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without any fuss. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a versatile favorite that works year-round, whether you’re seeking comfort in winter or a quick meal during busy summer evenings. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a reliable crowd-pleaser in your cooking arsenal that’s both impressive and effortlessly simple.

Print