Introduction
Imagine this: It’s a hectic weeknight, and you’re racing against the clock to get dinner on the table. The kids are clamoring for food, and you’re tempted to order takeout—again. But then you remember a recipe that’s saved you countless times: Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli. This dish is my secret weapon for those chaotic evenings when I need something fast, delicious, and packed with flavor.
I first whipped up this recipe on a whim one weekend, experimenting with ingredients I had on hand—shrimp in the freezer, sausage in the fridge, and a head of broccoli begging to be used. The result? A dish so good it’s now a staple in my home. The shrimp are juicy, the sausage brings a smoky richness, and the broccoli adds a fresh crunch, all tied together with a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will have you looking like a pro in under 30 minutes. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Here’s why this dish will quickly become your go-to meal:
- Lightning-Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—perfect when time is tight.
- One-Pan Magic: Less mess, less stress—just one skillet does the trick.
- Bursting with Flavor: The honey garlic sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness with a subtle kick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore the combo of tender shrimp, hearty sausage, and vibrant broccoli.
- Flexible: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it solo for a low-carb dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli for 4 servings:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works great)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof, delicious result:
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the shrimp in 1/3 of the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking—optional but worth it! - Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside with the broccoli.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp should curl into a loose “C” shape. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Bring It All Together: Return the broccoli and sausage to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the ingredients.
- Serve It Up: Plate your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli over rice or noodles, or enjoy it as is for a lighter meal. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Expert Tips & Variations
Take your Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli to the next level with these tips:
- Perfect Shrimp Every Time: Watch closely—shrimp are done when they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough.
- Tweak the Sauce: Love it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of honey. Prefer tangy? Up the lemon juice.
- Mix Up the Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Spice Lovers’ Twist: Double the red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep it celiac-friendly.
- Meat-Free Option: Replace shrimp and sausage with tofu or tempeh, and swap soy sauce for vegetable broth.
Craving more quick meals? Try our One-Pan Chicken Stir-Fry for another weeknight winner!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings, here’s the approximate breakdown for Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli (without rice/noodles):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 28g
How It’s Calculated: Values are estimated by adding nutrient data from shrimp (high protein), sausage (fat and protein), honey (sugars), soy sauce (sodium), and broccoli (fiber and vitamins), then dividing by 4 servings.
Dietary Notes: Contains shellfish, pork, and soy. For a lighter version, use less honey or a leaner sausage like turkey kielbasa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw them fully and pat dry to prevent extra moisture in the skillet.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes—chop the broccoli, slice the sausage, and mix the sauce in advance. Cook fresh for the best texture.
What pairs well with this dish?
Try it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer—quick, tasty, and loved by all. It’s my go-to when I want a meal that feels special without the fuss. Give it a shot tonight, and I bet it’ll earn a spot in your recipe lineup too!
Drop a comment below to let me know how it went—or share your own spin on this dish. Happy cooking!
Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli: Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- “1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined”,
- “12 oz smoked sausage like kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds”,
- “3 cups fresh broccoli florets about 1 medium head”,
- “3 tablespoons honey”
- “3 tablespoons soy sauce”
- “1 tablespoon lemon juice”
- “4 cloves garlic minced”,
- “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional”,
- “2 tablespoons olive oil divided”,
- “Salt and pepper to taste”,
- “Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)”,
- “Fresh parsley or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside with the broccoli.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Return the broccoli and sausage to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
- Serve over rice or noodles, or enjoy as is. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in 1/3 of the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp—remove when they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more veggies.