Creamy, juicy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor, Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage and Broccoli is one of those weeknight winners that feels special but takes almost no time. If you crave bold tastes without the fuss, this skillet meal delivers tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli glazed in a sticky honey-garlic sauce — a real crowd-pleaser. Fun fact: combining shrimp with sausage is a Southern-inspired shortcut that mimics the flavor contrast of surf-and-turf, but on a single pan.
This recipe is special because it’s quick, forgiving, and family-friendly — perfect for busy evenings. It shares the same comforting simplicity as my one-pot dinners and pairs well with other speedy mains like One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles. Read on and get ready to make a flavorful dinner that everyone will ask for again.
What is Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage and Broccoli?
What’s in a name? Plenty of deliciousness. Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage and Broccoli is exactly what it sounds like: shrimp tossed with rounds of smoked sausage and bright broccoli, all coated in a honey-forward garlicky glaze. How did this combo come to be — a seafood, a sausage, and a veggie walk into a skillet? Maybe someone wanted a little surf and turf without turning on the grill.
Is it called this because it’s honest and straightforward? Perhaps. Is it irresistibly tasty? Absolutely. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Give it a try and you’ll see why this happy skillet dish earned its simple, mouthwatering name.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the main highlight: a glossy honey-garlic sauce that clings to every bite, balancing sweet, salty, and garlicky notes while the chili flakes add a subtle heat. Second, cost savings: making this at home is far cheaper than ordering takeout and lets you control portions and ingredients. Third, the toppings and add-ins — a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dash of sesame seeds — elevate the dish without extra fuss.
The texture play is wonderful: plump shrimp, slightly crisp sausage edges, and broccoli with a satisfying bite. If you enjoy dishes with bold savory-sweet glazes, you might also like the flavors in Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes. Now roll up your sleeves — dinner is about to get delicious.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is a one-skillet marvel: simple prep, fast cooking, and big flavor. You’ll brown sausage for depth, stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp, quickly pan-sear shrimp to juicy perfection, then coat everything with a glossy honey-garlic sauce. Total time is roughly 20–25 minutes, so it’s an ideal weeknight dinner.
Prep time: 8–10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, patted dry)
- 5 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds (use beef or turkey sausage as preferred)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (trimmed into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature or melted)
- 3 tablespoons honey (use mild-flavored honey)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Set aside. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and whisk until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the same skillet, then toss in the broccoli. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender & crisp. If needed, add a splash of water and cover for 1–2 minutes to steam and speed cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Push the broccoli to the side of the skillet and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side until they begin to turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through (about 3 minutes per side total for large shrimp depending on thickness). Do not overcook.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well to coat and let simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is glazed and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Buttered egg noodles or garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting plate
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness
- Pickled vegetables or kimchi for a tangy contrast
- Cold beer, crisp white wine, or iced tea to drink
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Shrimp timing: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
- Sausage choice: Smoked sausages add great depth. Use chicken or turkey sausage for lighter options, or keep beef/pork for more robust flavor.
- Broccoli texture: Cut broccoli into similar-sized florets so everything cooks evenly. Brief steaming with a splash of water keeps it tender-crisp.
- Sauce thickness: If your sauce is thin, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken quickly. Add it slowly and simmer until glossy.
- Flavor boost: A splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil added at the end brings extra complexity.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook shrimp in a single layer for best sear. If making a larger batch, cook in batches and combine at the end.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing: This dish freezes, but shrimp texture can change when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing before adding shrimp or use a shorter freeze period; store for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce; cover briefly to retain moisture. Microwaving is fine for quick reheats but do so in short intervals to avoid overcooking shrimp.
Best practice: For best texture, reheat just once and finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Adjust the chili flakes to taste. Add more for heat or omit entirely for a milder family-friendly version. A pinch of cayenne can also boost spice.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and to prevent watery sauce.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Use tamari for gluten-free, or a mix of coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative. Adjust salt accordingly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace shrimp and sausage with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly sauces; increase the honey or add a touch of maple syrup for balance.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes. Keep the sauce and grains separate when storing to preserve texture. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs before serving.
What if my sauce is too sweet?
Balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon. A little soy sauce or extra garlic can also help.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage and Broccoli skillet is a fast, flavorful weeknight solution that feels special without the fuss — juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, crisp broccoli, and a glossy honey-garlic glaze. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for families or last-minute dinners. If you want to explore a similar recipe for ideas and inspiration, check out this version on I Am Homesteader: Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli – I Am Homesteader. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious, comforting results.
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage and Broccoli
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined tail on or off, patted dry
- 5 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds use beef or turkey sausage as preferred
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets trimmed into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided if preferred
- 1 tablespoon butter room temperature or melted
- 3 tablespoons honey use mild-flavored honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium if preferred
- 3 cloves garlic, minced about 1 tablespoon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tablespoon water optional, for thickening
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish chopped fresh parsley optional
- for serving lemon wedges optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Set aside. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and whisk until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the same skillet, then toss in the broccoli. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender & crisp. If needed, add a splash of water and cover for 1–2 minutes to steam and speed cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Push the broccoli to the side of the skillet and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side until they begin to turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through (about 3 minutes per side total for large shrimp depending on thickness). Do not overcook.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well to coat and let simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is glazed and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.