Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

If you’ve ever craved a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further than the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli recipe. This dish is packed with bold flavors, nutritious vegetables, and a balance of protein from both shrimp and sausage. The key ingredient—a honey garlic sauce—brings together the sweetness of honey and the savory kick of garlic and soy sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s both rich and addictive. With the option to add some heat through red pepper flakes, this dish caters to a variety of taste preferences, making it perfect for both family dinners and casual meals with friends.

Jump to Recipe

In this extended guide, we’ll delve into the significance of each ingredient, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer some creative variations to customize the dish according to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how quick and easy this recipe is to pull together, even on the busiest of weeknights.

The Appeal of Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

One of the biggest selling points of this dish is its versatility. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal when you don’t have much time but still want something wholesome and delicious. The combination of shrimp and sausage provides a nice contrast in flavors and textures—shrimp brings a delicate sweetness, while smoked sausage adds a savory, meaty depth. Throw in some broccoli for a pop of color and nutrients, and you’ve got a balanced meal that covers all the bases: protein, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce.

What makes this dish even more appealing is the minimal cleanup required. Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner. You can pair this dish with rice, quinoa, or another grain of your choice for a complete meal.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and their roles in this dish:

1. Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined)

Shrimp is the star of the dish, offering a lean source of protein that cooks quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the honey garlic sauce.

• Tip: Use fresh or frozen shrimp for this dish. If using frozen, thaw the shrimp under cold running water before cooking.

2. Smoked Sausage (8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)

Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and balances the lightness of the shrimp. It also provides a satisfying meaty texture that contrasts with the tender shrimp.

• Tip: You can use any variety of smoked sausage, including turkey sausage for a leaner option or spicy sausage for added heat.

3. Broccoli (2 cups florets)

Broccoli brings a nutritious element to the dish, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its slightly bitter flavor balances out the sweetness of the honey in the sauce, and it adds a vibrant green color to the dish.

• Tip: To ensure the broccoli remains crisp-tender, don’t overcook it. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet to help it steam.

4. Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

Garlic is the backbone of the sauce, lending a sharp, pungent flavor that enhances both the shrimp and sausage.

• Tip: Fresh garlic is key here—avoid using garlic powder, as it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

5. Honey (1/4 cup)

Honey is the sweet component of the honey garlic sauce, balancing the salty and savory notes from the soy sauce and sausage. It also helps the sauce caramelize slightly as it cooks.

• Tip: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the honey by a tablespoon or substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

6. Soy Sauce (1/4 cup, low sodium)

Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the sausage. Using low-sodium soy sauce ensures the dish isn’t too salty.

• Tip: If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari as a soy sauce substitute.

7. Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)

Olive oil is used to sauté the sausage and broccoli. Its mild flavor works well in this dish, allowing the other ingredients to shine.

• Tip: You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.

8. Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)

Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce, shrimp, and sausage. It also helps to enhance the flavor of the shrimp.

• Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus.

9. Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional)

If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey. This ingredient is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy spicy food.

10. Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Seasoning the shrimp and sausage with salt and pepper ensures that each component of the dish is well-flavored. However, be mindful of the salt content in the soy sauce when seasoning.

11. Rice or Quinoa (for serving)

Serving the dish over a bed of rice or quinoa provides a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.

• Tip: You can also use other grains like farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

12. Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating the Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce is the heart of the dish, providing both sweetness and savory depth. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the other components.

• Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ginger to the sauce. Ginger pairs beautifully with honey and soy sauce, giving the dish a subtle warmth.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on both sides. The goal is to get a nice caramelization on the sausage, which will enhance its flavor.

• Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the sausage in batches if needed. Browning the sausage properly will give the dish a richer, smokier flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if cooked for too long.

• Tip: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli

After removing the shrimp, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to the skillet to help steam the broccoli and speed up the cooking process.

• Tip: If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, now is the time! Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms would be excellent additions.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients.

• Tip: Let the sauce simmer for a bit longer if you prefer a thicker glaze. Stir frequently to avoid burning the honey.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful, hearty meal!

• Tip: For a finishing touch, squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the dish right before serving. It brightens the flavors and adds a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.

Creative Variations: Make It Your Own

While this recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

1. Swap the Protein

• Chicken: You can substitute shrimp with cubed chicken breast or thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp and sausage with firm tofu. Sear the tofu cubes until golden before adding them to the dish.

2. Change Up the Vegetables

• Bell Peppers: Add colorful bell peppers for sweetness and crunch.
• Snap Peas: For added freshness and texture, toss in snap peas during the broccoli cooking stage.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy flavor to the dish and absorb the sauce beautifully.

3. Try Different Grains

• Brown Rice: For a nuttier, more wholesome base, serve the dish over brown rice.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, spicy (if you want it to be), and incredibly satisfying. The combination of shrimp and sausage, paired with broccoli and a luscious honey garlic sauce, makes for a balanced, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients and making it your own!