Sweet, savory, and sizzling in every bite—Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes. Perfectly seared shrimp glisten in a sticky honey garlic glaze, nestled among golden-browned sausage slices and tender-crisp broccoli florets. This flavor-packed stir-fry is quick to make and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re aiming for a balanced dinner or a protein-rich lunch, this one-pan wonder fits the bill. The contrast of sweet honey, punchy garlic, smoky sausage, and vibrant vegetables makes it incredibly satisfying without requiring a pantry raid or hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it straight from the skillet—you’ll be back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Fast and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps and minimal cleanup.
Loaded with flavor: The honey garlic sauce is sticky, tangy, and sweet with a touch of heat.
Perfect texture balance: Juicy shrimp, crispy-edged sausage, and just-tender broccoli deliver a variety of mouthfeels.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or pair it with a grain bowl.
Great for meal prep: Stays tasty for days and reheats like a dream.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Their Importance

Creating Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli is a breeze with the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is important:

Large Skillet or Wok: The centerpiece of this recipe, it allows even heat distribution and enough space to sauté the ingredients without overcrowding.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through sausage, broccoli, and aromatics like garlic. Use a sturdy board to maintain safety and precision.
Tongs or a Wooden Spatula: For flipping the shrimp and sausage pieces without breaking them apart. A wooden spatula is especially helpful for deglazing flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Mixing Bowl: Handy for tossing shrimp in the honey garlic marinade before cooking.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for nailing the perfect sauce ratio—especially the honey, soy sauce, and garlic components.
Steamer or Microwave-safe Bowl (optional): If you prefer pre-steaming the broccoli before adding it to the skillet for a slightly softer texture.

Preparation Tips

Pat the Shrimp Dry: Before cooking, blot shrimp with a paper towel. This ensures they sear rather than steam, giving you that golden crust.
Slice Sausage Evenly: Keep the slices uniform for consistent cooking and caramelization.
Blanch Broccoli Briefly: For brighter color and easier stir-frying, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1–2 minutes or microwave it covered with a splash of water for quick softening.
Pre-mix the Sauce: Combine the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings in a bowl before starting. This keeps the cooking flow smooth and prevents overcooking while measuring mid-recipe.
Cook in Stages: Sear sausage and shrimp separately for best texture, then return all components to the pan with the sauce at the end.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They only need about 1–2 minutes per side. Once they curl and turn opaque, pull them out to avoid chewiness.

Ingredients for This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe

This dish blends bold and sweet-savory flavors using accessible ingredients. Here’s everything you need to bring this colorful skillet meal to life:

For the Main Components:

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Medium to large size preferred for juicy bites.
8 oz smoked sausage – Sliced into ½-inch rounds; beef, chicken, or andouille all work.
2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen (if using frozen, thaw and pat dry).
1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup honey – The base of the sweet glaze.
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami depth and saltiness.
4 cloves garlic (minced) – For that punchy, aromatic kick.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle heat.
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water – To thicken the sauce slightly if desired.

Optional Garnishes:

Sesame seeds – Add texture and nuttiness.
Chopped green onions – For color and freshness.

All ingredients are flexible—feel free to sub in turkey sausage, maple syrup instead of honey, or tamari for a gluten-free option.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Peel and devein the shrimp if not already cleaned.
Slice the sausage into ½-inch thick rounds.
Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Mince the garlic.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced sausage in a single layer.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and crisp on the edges.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same pan (no need to clean it), add shrimp in a single layer.
Sear each side for 1–2 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Add a splash of oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Add a tablespoon of water and cover for a minute if you prefer softer broccoli.

Step 5: Combine & Glaze

Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the broccoli.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything.
Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
If using cornstarch slurry, add it now and simmer for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions (if using).
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy as is.

Notes

Protein Choices: You can mix things up with chicken, tofu, or even scallops instead of sausage or shrimp. The honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with nearly all proteins.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for more texture and color.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey to suit your taste. A drizzle of lime juice can brighten it up if you find it too sweet.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well for up to 4 days and is perfect for lunchboxes.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan: If the skillet is too full, your shrimp and sausage will steam instead of sear. Work in batches for best results.
Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Pull them off the heat as soon as they curl and turn opaque to keep them tender.
Skipping the Sauce Prep: Pre-mix the sauce to avoid fumbling while your food cooks quickly in the skillet.
Using Wet Broccoli: Excess water causes oil to splatter and can dilute the sauce. Pat dry your broccoli if it’s been rinsed or thawed from frozen.
Not Deglazing the Pan: The flavorful browned bits (fond) left after searing sausage are gold—scrape them up when you add the sauce for maximum flavor.
Burning Garlic: Add garlic as part of the sauce rather than directly to the hot pan. It prevents it from turning bitter and burnt.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli?

This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the flavors and balance out the textures. Whether you’re serving dinner for guests or prepping for the week, these options add variety and complement the sweet-savory glaze beautifully.

8 Recommendations

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
The fluffy, neutral grain soaks up the sticky honey garlic sauce and ties the dish together.
Garlic Noodles
Tossed in butter and garlic, these noodles provide a savory base that pairs perfectly with the bold main.
Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice adds texture and keeps things light.
Quinoa or Farro
These hearty grains add a nutty chew and protein boost for an even more filling meal.
Asian-Style Slaw
A crunchy cabbage slaw with a sesame vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the hot skillet meal.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
Great as a starter or side, these crispy bites add a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Their caramelized edges and natural sweetness pair harmoniously with the honey garlic glaze.
Miso Soup or Clear Broth Soup
A light soup starter helps balance the richness of the main dish and rounds out the meal with warmth.

Storage Instructions

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish is fully cooled before sealing to avoid excess condensation.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best texture, avoid freezing if using pre-frozen shrimp or broccoli.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1¼ cup)

Calories: 365
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 730mg
Cholesterol: 160mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the type of sausage, shrimp size, and any additional ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents extra moisture that could affect searing.

2. Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently! The base recipe is sweet and savory. The optional red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can leave them out or increase them for more kick.

3. Can I make this without sausage?

Absolutely. You can skip the sausage entirely or replace it with chicken, tofu, or tempeh. The sauce is very versatile and complements many proteins.

4. How do I prevent my shrimp from turning rubbery?

Shrimp cook very fast—1 to 2 minutes per side is all it takes. As soon as they curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque, remove them from the heat.

5. What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can substitute tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor. Even Worcestershire sauce in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly.

6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. You can chop and prep ingredients, mix the sauce, and even pre-cook the sausage and broccoli ahead of time. Combine and heat everything together when ready to serve.

7. Will this recipe work for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores well for 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Pair it with rice or quinoa in containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

8. Is this a good option for kids?

Yes! Kids often love the sweet glaze and tender sausage. For picky eaters, you can tone down the garlic or skip the red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli is proof that a simple skillet meal can be bursting with flavor, texture, and satisfaction. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or a quick dinner idea when you want something comforting yet vibrant. With its sweet-savory glaze, hearty ingredients, and flexible pairing options, this dish is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Stay tuned for the printable version in Part 9—you’ll want this one on hand!