Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a glossy honey-soy glaze — this Sweet Honey-Glazed Shrimp & Sausage with Broccoli is pure weeknight magic. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with sweet-and-savory flavor that feels special without requiring a lot of effort. Fun fact: combining seafood and sausage is an old coastal tradition in many regions where bold flavors meet simple pantry staples. This dish channels that vibe and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving an easy but impressive dinner.
If you love simple skillet meals, you’ll also enjoy the cozy vegetable-forward recipes on this blog — try a cheesy twist like Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls for a fun side. Read on and you’ll see why this recipe is a go-to for weeknights, potlucks, and relaxed dinner parties.
What is Sweet Honey-Glazed Shrimp & Sausage with Broccoli?
What’s in a name? Sweet Honey-Glazed Shrimp & Sausage with Broccoli simply tells the delicious truth: shrimp and sausage glazed in honey, paired with broccoli. Sounds fancy? Not really — but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Where did the name come from — a lab coat-wearing chef with a sweet tooth? Maybe. Or maybe someone realized long ago that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious about that combo? Try it and see how the sweet glaze tames the sausage’s smoke and makes the shrimp sing. Give it a go — I dare you not to hum while you eat.
Why You’ll Love This
- Balance of flavor: The star here is the honey-soy glaze that contrasts sweet, salty, and umami notes with the smoky bite of sausage and the delicate, slightly briny shrimp. Every forkful is exciting.
- Budget-friendly and quick: Making this at home is far cheaper than ordering takeout and takes about the same time. You get protein and veggies in one pan, which saves money on sides and cleanup.
- Family-friendly and customizable: Picky eaters will appreciate the familiar flavors; swap the sausage for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option, or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
If you enjoy skillet dinners with a veggie boost, you might also like this comforting Cheesy Broccoli Cornbread recipe on the blog. Now grab a skillet — tonight’s dinner is calling.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is a one-skillet wonder that’s easy to follow and fast to cook. You’ll brown the sausage for depth, quickly cook shrimp until pink and just opaque, then sauté broccoli to bright green tenderness. The sweet honey-soy glaze ties everything together with a glossy finish and a touch of warmth from garlic powder. Prep time is about 10 minutes; cooking time is roughly 12–15 minutes, so total ready-to-eat time is around 25 minutes. The standout element: the honey glaze that caramelizes slightly and coats each piece for irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-large, tails removed if preferred)
1 lb sausage, sliced (smoked kielbasa or your favorite fully cooked sausage; about 1/4-inch slices)
2 cups broccoli florets (washed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp honey (room temperature for easier mixing)
1 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
1 tbsp olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper; adjust after tasting)
Directions
- Gather and prep everything first: peel and devein the shrimp, slice the sausage, and cut the broccoli into florets so the cook time is seamless. Pre-measure the honey and soy sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Give the pan 1 minute to get hot but not smoking.
- Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 4–5 minutes. Browning adds flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Push the sausage to one side, add the shrimp to the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes total, turning once. Shrimp are done when pink and opaque with a slight curl — avoid overcooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and sausage to a plate and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If the pan seems dry, add a teaspoon of water and cover for 1 minute to steam, then cook uncovered for 3–4 more minutes until crisp-tender and bright green. Total time about 4–5 minutes.
- While broccoli cooks, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey-soy mixture over everything.
- Toss gently to coat and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot. Spoon the glossy shrimp, sausage, and broccoli onto plates or over rice or noodles as desired and enjoy!
What to Serve With
- Steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the honey glaze.
- Quick garlic noodles for a more indulgent meal.
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the sweetness.
- Roasted baby potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes for a hearty plate.
- Light beer or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweetness and smoky sausage.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Swap proteins: Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage to reduce fat, or try scallops instead of shrimp for a restaurant-style upgrade.
- Control shrimp doneness: Remove shrimp as soon as they turn fully pink to avoid rubbery texture. They’ll finish cooking briefly when returned to the pan.
- Broccoli texture: If you prefer softer broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to steam before finishing uncovered.
- Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions when serving.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook sausage and shrimp in a single layer to ensure even browning. If your skillet is small, work in batches.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration instructions: Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing instructions: You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but note shrimp texture may be slightly softer after freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best reheating methods: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze, about 3–5 minutes, stirring to avoid overcooking shrimp. Microwave reheating works in a pinch — cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked smoked sausage?
Yes. If using raw sausage, slice or crumble it and cook fully in the skillet until browned and cooked through before adding the shrimp. Cooking time will be longer.
What kind of shrimp should I buy?
Medium-large shrimp (16–20 count per pound) work well. Buy peeled and deveined if you want to save prep time. Fresh or frozen are fine—thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight.
Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Yes. Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots are great additions. Add denser vegetables earlier so everything finishes at the same time.
How can I make this spicier?
Stir in red pepper flakes while making the glaze, or drizzle sriracha or chili garlic sauce over the finished dish for heat.
Conclusion
This Sweet Honey-Glazed Shrimp & Sausage with Broccoli is proof that flavorful, family-friendly dinners don’t need to be complicated. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and adaptable — perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. If you want more inspiration for similar skillet meals, check out this honey garlic variation for extra glaze ideas at Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli – I Am Homesteader, or compare another tasty take on the combination with this skillet version here: Shrimp Sausage & Broccoli Skillet. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and have fun making it your own.
Sweet Honey-Glazed Shrimp & Sausage with Broccoli
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined Medium-large, tails removed if preferred
- 1 lb Sausage, sliced Smoked kielbasa or your favorite fully cooked sausage; about 1/4-inch slices
- 2 cups Broccoli florets Washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Honey Room temperature for easier mixing
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred
- 1 tbsp Olive oil Or other neutral cooking oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp Salt Adjust after tasting
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper Adjust after tasting
Instructions
- Gather and prep everything first: peel and devein the shrimp, slice the sausage, and cut the broccoli into florets so the cook time is seamless. Pre-measure the honey and soy sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Give the pan 1 minute to get hot but not smoking.
- Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 4–5 minutes.
- Push the sausage to one side, add the shrimp to the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes total, turning once. Shrimp are done when pink and opaque with a slight curl.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and sausage to a plate and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If the pan seems dry, add a teaspoon of water and cover for 1 minute to steam, then cook uncovered for 3–4 more minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
- While broccoli cooks, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey-soy mixture over everything.
- Toss gently to coat and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot. Spoon the glossy shrimp, sausage, and broccoli onto plates or over rice or noodles as desired and enjoy!