If you’re searching for a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and a touch of spice all in one skillet, look no further than this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp broccoli tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s quick enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends. The flavors marry perfectly to create a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with colorful veggies and hearty protein, making it an absolute winner in my book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe so memorable. From the juicy shrimp to the caramelized honey glaze, every element complements the others beautifully.
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and mild, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky depth and satisfying chew that balances the seafood.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Bright green and crisp, broccoli brings freshness and crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch and savory backbone.
- 2 tbsp honey: Delivers a sweet note that contrasts beautifully with savory and spicy flavors.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): Adds salty, umami richness and a touch of color to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing and infusing everything with a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick of heat that can be adjusted to taste.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the sweetness with a zesty tang.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping everything—peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already, slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds, and chop the broccoli into evenly sized florets for consistent cooking. Having these ready ensures a smooth cooking process and even texture across the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Toss the sausage rounds in and cook them until they’re beautifully browned on both sides and release their delicious smoky aroma. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep the skillet ready for the next ingredients.
Step 3: Sauté Broccoli
Using the same pan to carry over all the savory sausage flavor, add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and become slightly tender but still maintain a pleasant crunch. For an extra tender bite, a splash of water tossed in followed by a quick lid cover steam for one minute works wonders.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
If needed, add a little more oil or butter to the pan and then toss in the shrimp with the minced garlic. Stir frequently as the shrimp cook quickly, usually turning pink and opaque within 2 to 3 minutes per side. The garlic infuses a fragrant, savory note that gives the sauce depth.
Step 5: Finish with Honey Garlic Sauce
Return the sausage to the skillet with the shrimp and broccoli, then pour in the honey, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together, letting the sauce thicken slightly as it gloriously coats every morsel with a sticky, glossy sheen. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once the sauce has thickened just right, remove the skillet from heat. Serve this dish warm so you get the full experience of its comforting flavors and textures at their peak.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this already vibrant dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh burst of color and mild herbal brightness. A few toasted sesame seeds also add a subtle nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic glaze.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice which soaks up the sauce perfectly. Alternatively, a simple quinoa or cauliflower rice makes a lighter, grain-free option to keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish as a filling for lettuce wraps or on a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for an extra veggie punch. It’s vibrant enough to be the star of a colorful grain bowl, too, layered with avocado slices, pickled red cabbage, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp and sausage maintain their flavor well, and the broccoli will still be pleasantly crisp if reheated gently.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened up too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during sautéing, which helps achieve a better sear and texture.
Is there a substitute for smoked sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap smoked sausage with Italian sausage or chicken sausage. Just be mindful of the spices and seasoning as they may alter the final flavor slightly.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The heat level is mild to moderate depending on how much you add. You can easily adjust the amount or omit the flakes altogether if you prefer a kid-friendly or milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in snap peas, bell peppers, or carrot slices for added color and crunch. Just add them in when sautéing the broccoli so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen for good reason: it’s fast, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients you’ll love. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and a little special every time you serve it.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli skillet recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage are cooked with tender-crisp broccoli and coated in a deliciously sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and optional heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Seafood & Meat
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. Chop broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Cook sausage slices until browned on both sides and fragrant. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Optionally, add a splash of water and cover to steam for 1 minute to enhance tenderness.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add more oil or butter to the skillet if needed. Add shrimp and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through but still juicy.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli in a glossy, sticky layer. Add red pepper flakes if you desire some heat.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish as desired and enjoy this flavorful, quick-cooking dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- To add more vegetables, consider including sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Serve over rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be quickly reheated in a skillet.
