Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
If you are craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and a little crunch, then you have to try this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe. This vibrant skillet meal combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh broccoli all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, making it a weeknight dinner winner or a show-stopping dish for friends and family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet pivotal, playing unique roles to elevate the overall flavor, texture, and color of this dish. Fresh shrimp adds a delicate seafood sweetness, smoked sausage gives it a rich, hearty punch, and broccoli provides an essential crisp freshness. The sauce ingredients bring it all together with honey’s natural sweetness and garlic’s aromatic depth.
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for plump, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds: Smoked sausage contributes a savory, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Bright green broccoli adds crunch and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the meat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and punchy flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey: Honey gives the dish its signature sweetness and glossy finish.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free): This adds a salty umami contrast essential for balance.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing ingredients and adding richness.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat to wake up the palate.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens and adds a fresh tang to the sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you even heat your skillet, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined if they aren’t already. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds that will cook evenly with the shrimp. Chop the broccoli into uniformly sized florets so they cook quickly and consistently. Having everything prepped sets you up for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add your choice of olive oil or butter. Add the sausage rounds and cook them until they get beautifully browned on both sides and start to smell amazing. This step not only adds flavor but also renders out some of the fat, which helps build the rich base for your dish. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Broccoli
Using the same skillet with all the flavorful bits left behind, toss in your broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and become just tender but still retain a bit of their crunch. If you want extra tenderness, add a splash of water, cover the pan, and steam for an additional minute. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp, adding an essential texture contrast.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add a little more olive oil or butter if your pan looks dry, then toss in the shrimp and minced garlic. Stir frequently to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and the garlic doesn’t burn. In just 2 to 3 minutes per side, the shrimp will turn pink and opaque—perfectly cooked and tender. This quick cook time preserves the shrimp’s delicate texture.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and drizzle in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, lovingly coating the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli in a shiny, sticky glaze. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes here. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy will have you reaching for seconds.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is hot and glossy, remove the skillet from the heat. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, with all the vibrant flavors shining through.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can take this dish from great to unforgettable. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A few sesame seeds can add a subtle nutty crunch that complements the sticky sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is wonderfully versatile with sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all the delicious sauce. If you prefer a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette works perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this dish in mini cast iron skillets or over a bed of garlic butter noodles for a comforting twist. You can also stuff it into toasted pita bread with some fresh greens for a delightful handheld meal. The vibrant colors and glossy sauce really shine no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor. The sauce continues to thicken in the fridge, so a quick stir or splash of water before reheating helps loosen it back up.
Freezing
While shrimp can sometimes lose texture in the freezer, this dish freezes decently if you plan on enjoying it later. Store cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir frequently to heat evenly, adding a little water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This method helps preserve the tenderness of the shrimp and the vibrant color of the broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps avoid excess moisture, which can prevent a good sear and dilute the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both alternatives give you that delicious savory umami without the gluten.
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic here, snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers also work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s firmness.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the honey without overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit it altogether based on your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and make the sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and broccoli fresh to avoid overcooking and losing their texture. Combining everything right before serving ensures the best flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels special but is incredibly easy and fast to make. It’s a wonderful blend of sweet and savory with fresh, crisp veggies that create total balance on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a dish that invites smiles and satisfied sighs around the table—give it a try and make it a new favorite!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli skillet dish combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
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)
Oils & Fats
- 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, about 3-4 minutes. 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 soften further.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add more oil or butter if needed. Add shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Toss everything together in the skillet, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli in a glossy, sticky layer. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve warm. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for different flavors.
- Using tamari or coconut aminos makes this dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture dries out during cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
