Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

A delicious, sweet-and-savory one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender-crisp broccoli tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a flavorful high-protein dinner.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American-inspired

Cooking Method: Skillet

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli:

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

4 cups broccoli florets

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

For the honey garlic sauce:

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional, for a thicker sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional

Kitchen Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan

Cutting board and sharp knife

Mixing bowl

Measuring spoons and cups

Spatula or wooden spoon

Small bowl for the sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and remove any remaining shells or veins. Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds. Wash the broccoli, cut it into small florets, and mince the garlic. Drying the shrimp helps it sear instead of releasing excess moisture into the pan.

2. Make the honey garlic sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and sesame oil if using. For a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water before whisking it into the sauce. Set aside.

3. Season the shrimp.

Place the shrimp in a bowl and season with paprika, black pepper, a little salt, and red pepper flakes if desired. Keep the salt light because the sausage and soy sauce already contribute plenty of seasoning.

4. Brown the sausage.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and leave a little of the flavorful drippings in the pan.

5. Cook the broccoli.

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the broccoli is still too firm, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and steam for another 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

6. Add the garlic.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic too much, as it can become bitter.

7. Cook the shrimp.

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.

8. Combine everything.

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce and stir gently to coat the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli evenly.

9. Simmer the sauce.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sauce bubbles and lightly thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water. Make sure the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

10. Finish and serve.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and the shrimp are tender.

Tips for the Best Results

Use large shrimp for a juicy, tender texture.

Choose smoked sausage for a deeper, savory flavor.

Cut broccoli into evenly sized florets so it cooks uniformly.

Add the honey sauce toward the end to prevent the honey from burning.

Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

For extra freshness, finish with lemon juice just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed white or brown rice

Garlic butter rice

Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option

Quinoa

Egg noodles

Roasted potatoes

A fresh cucumber and tomato salad

For a low-carb meal, serve the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli on their own or over cauliflower rice.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, although the shrimp and broccoli may become softer after thawing.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with 1–2 tablespoons of water until heated through. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming 4 servings and using smoked sausage, olive oil, honey, and regular low-sodium soy sauce.

Nutrient

Amount per serving

Calories

480 kcal

Protein

31 g

Total Fat

27 g

Saturated Fat

8 g

Carbohydrates

29 g

Fiber

3 g

Total Sugars

19 g

Sodium

1,050 mg

Cholesterol

205 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the sausage brand, shrimp size, sauce quantities, and any substitutions. Sodium can be reduced by choosing lower-sodium sausage and soy sauce.

Allergen Information

Shellfish: Contains shrimp.

Soy: Contains soy if using traditional soy sauce.

Sesame: May contain sesame if sesame oil or seeds are included.

Gluten: Traditional soy sauce may contain wheat. Use certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos as appropriate.

Dairy: Naturally dairy-free when prepared as written.

Nuts: No tree nuts or peanuts are required in the recipe, but check product labels for cross-contact warnings.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.

Low-Carb Version: Replace the honey with a suitable low-carb sweetener and check the sausage label for added sugar.

Extra Garlic Version: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.

Lemon Honey Version: Add extra lemon zest and juice for a brighter, fresher taste.

Chicken and Sausage Version: Replace the shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces, cooking the chicken thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).

Vegetable-Packed Version: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use precooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them near the end and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking.

Q3: What sausage works best?

Smoked beef sausage, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or andouille sausage all work well. Choose according to your preferred flavor and dietary needs.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes. Use maple syrup for a different flavor or a suitable sugar-free sweetener for a lower-sugar variation. The texture and taste will change slightly.

Q5: How do I keep the shrimp tender?

Cook them only until pink and opaque, and avoid leaving them simmering in the sauce for too long.

Q6: Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can slice the sausage, wash the broccoli, peel the shrimp, and mix the sauce a day ahead. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and cook shortly before serving.

Q7: Is this recipe keto-friendly?

The original recipe is not strictly keto-friendly because honey contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates. Replace the honey with a suitable sugar-free alternative and check the sausage and sauce labels to reduce carbohydrates.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Use certified gluten-free tamari or another suitable gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and verify that the sausage and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Q9: Can I cook everything in one pan?

Yes. Brown the sausage, cook the broccoli, add the shrimp, and finish everything in the same skillet for easy cleanup.

Q10: How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a small cornstarch slurry and simmer gently until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly to the hot pan, as it can form lumps.

Q11: Can I use another vegetable instead of broccoli?

Yes. Green beans, asparagus, bell peppers, or snap peas are good alternatives. Adjust the cooking time according to the vegetable.

Q12: What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve it hot over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Final Recipe Notes

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli is a quick, colorful, and satisfying dinner that balances sweet honey, savory sausage, juicy shrimp, and fresh broccoli. The one-pan cooking method makes it convenient for busy evenings, while the sauce and vegetable combinations are easy to customize to your taste.

For the best results, cook the shrimp just until done and add the sauce near the end so the honey garlic glaze stays flavorful and glossy.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.