Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli

The sizzle of plump shrimp hitting a hot pan, the irresistible aroma of garlic and honey caramelizing into a glossy sauce – there’s something undeniably enticing about Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli. This one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors while delivering a protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet effortless dish for guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it’s incredibly time-efficient – ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The textural contrasts in this dish are outstanding – juicy, tender shrimp, slightly crisp sausage with a satisfying snap, and perfectly cooked broccoli that retains a pleasant bite. The sauce is the true star, creating a glossy coating that’s sweet from the honey, aromatic from the garlic, and has just enough depth from soy sauce to make every bite crave-worthy.

What’s more, this honey garlic shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the heat level, swap proteins, or add additional vegetables based on what you have on hand. The single-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, which is always a welcome bonus for any home cook looking to maximize flavor while minimizing kitchen time.

Ingredients

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

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 cups (300g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

The quality of your shrimp matters significantly here – look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp that smells clean and oceanic. For the sausage, a smoked variety adds depth, but Italian sausage or even chorizo can work beautifully depending on your flavor preferences.

Pro Tips

Proper Shrimp Preparation: The key to perfectly cooked shrimp in your Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli is to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly – typically 1-2 minutes per side depending on size. Look for them to turn pink and opaque, but remove them from heat just before they’re fully done as they’ll continue cooking from residual heat. Always pat shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper searing rather than steaming.

Sauce Technique: For the most flavorful honey garlic sauce, build layers of flavor. Start by sautéing the garlic in butter until fragrant but not brown (about 30 seconds), then add your liquid ingredients. When combining honey and soy sauce, whisk constantly to ensure they emulsify properly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add this slurry to your sauce while it simmers.

Optimal Cooking Order: The sequence matters in this one-pan meal. Cook the sausage first to render its flavorful fat, then use that same pan to cook the shrimp (removing the sausage temporarily). This way, the shrimp absorbs the sausage flavor. Steam the broccoli separately or add it to the pan after the proteins if you prefer it to absorb the sauce flavors. This prevents overcooking any one element while ensuring each component contributes its flavor to the final dish.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and once hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage begins to brown and render its fat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful oils in the pan.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink. The key here is to avoid overcooking your shrimp – they should be just opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, whisking to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 4

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Continue to simmer for another minute until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth. Cover and steam for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, steam a minute or two longer.

Step 6

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the proteins and allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving your Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli. This dish is excellent served over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp and Chicken: For those who prefer chicken or want to mix proteins, substitute half the shrimp with 8 ounces of diced boneless chicken thighs. Cook the chicken first until nearly done, then add the shrimp later in the process. Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick that complements the honey sweetness beautifully.

Vegetarian Honey Garlic Stir-Fry: Transform this Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli into a plant-based delight by replacing the proteins with 12 ounces of extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. The key is to pan-fry the tofu until crispy before adding it to the sauce. Add snow peas and bell peppers along with the broccoli for a colorful vegetable medley that works wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce.

Keto-Friendly Version: For a low-carb adaptation, replace the honey with 3 tablespoons of a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup or allulose, and increase the butter to 2 tablespoons. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to maintain the complexity of flavor without the carbs from honey. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains for a complete keto-friendly meal.

Storage and Serving

Your Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revitalize the sauce. Microwaving is convenient but may slightly toughen the shrimp, so aim for 70% power in short intervals, stirring between each.

For serving, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with several options. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work wonderfully. The dish also pairs exceptionally well with quinoa for added protein and texture.

For a complete meal presentation, serve with a side of simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich honey garlic flavors. Garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime for brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you’re short on time. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking to achieve a good sear rather than steaming them.

What’s the best sausage to use in this honey garlic shrimp recipe?
Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage provides excellent flavor, but you can also use Italian sausage (sweet or hot), chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. The key is choosing a pre-cooked sausage that will release flavorful oils when seared.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the sausage and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance, then reheat and add the shrimp and broccoli just before serving to prevent overcooking.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and increase the soy sauce by 1 tablespoon. For a sweeter version, add an additional tablespoon of honey or a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it’s easily adapted by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Always check your sausage ingredients as some may contain gluten fillers.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Shrimp With Sausage and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender shrimp, savory sausage, and nutritious broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that proves impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making everyday dining feel special.

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