Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

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Looking for a delicious, high-protein, one-pan meal that’s both sweet and savory? This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner struggles. Packed with juicy shrimp, hearty sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli all glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of flavor and ease. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Let’s dive into why this meal deserves a spot in your weekly rotation and how you can make it your own.

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Why This Dish Is Ideal for Busy Families

Let’s face it: time is short, and takeout gets expensive. This dish offers:

Quick cook time (under 30 minutes start to finish)
Balanced nutrition (lean protein, vegetables, and natural sweetness)
Kid-friendly flavor (even picky eaters love honey garlic)

And if you’re meal prepping? It reheats like a dream. You can prep ingredients in advance, toss them in a hot pan, and dinner’s ready before your favorite show comes on.

Discover great ideas like this one in our sticky honey chicken recipe for even more sweet-savory goodness.

Ingredients List

To get the perfect result, you’ll need these essential ingredients:

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Shrimp	Use peeled and deveined medium shrimp. They’re quick-cooking and absorb flavors fast.
Sausage	Smoked or andouille sausage adds richness and depth. Slice thin for quick browning.
Broccoli	Adds fiber, crunch, and freshness. Cut into small florets so they cook evenly.
Honey	The sweet component that balances garlic and spice. Raw honey gives best flavor.
Garlic	Use fresh minced garlic for punch; jarred works in a pinch.
Soy Sauce	Brings saltiness and umami to the glaze.
Red Pepper Flakes	Optional but adds subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
Cornstarch	Thickens the sauce into that glossy, sticky texture.

raw ingredients for honey garlic shrimp sausage and broccoli — Prep ingredients before you cook for quicker results

Possible Protein and Veggie Swaps

Whether you’ve got dietary needs or just want to mix it up, this recipe is super flexible. Here are some tasty substitutions:

Protein Variations

Swap shrimp with chicken breast or tofu for a different twist
Replace sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or a plant-based sausage

Veggie Alternatives

Try zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers in place of broccoli
Add snap peas or carrots for crunch and sweetness

These customizations make it easy to adapt the recipe based on what’s in your fridge or what your family prefers.

Looking for inspiration? Try our seafood lasagna for another satisfying seafood dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Preparing Your Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

The secret to a great skillet meal is prepping smart and layering flavors. Here’s how to get each component just right:

1. Shrimp

Pat dry to prevent steaming
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper
Set aside and cook last to avoid overcooking

2. Sausage

Use pre-cooked smoked sausage for faster prep
Slice into 1/4-inch rounds for more surface area and flavor
Sear in a hot skillet until the edges crisp

3. Broccoli

Cut florets evenly for even cooking
Blanch in hot water for 1–2 minutes before stir-frying
Or stir-fry raw with a splash of water and cover briefly to steam

Quick Prep Tip: Lay all your ingredients in bowls before starting. This makes it easy to toss things in at the right time without fumbling mid-cook.

How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce

This sticky, savory-sweet sauce pulls the whole meal together. It takes just minutes to make and coats everything beautifully.

Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe:

1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry
Combine all other ingredients in a bowl
Heat in a small pan or directly in the skillet after cooking proteins
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze

Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let it bubble slightly so it sticks to the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli.

Such a delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

Check out our spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce for another skillet-style flavor bomb!

Nutritional Benefits of the Dish

Macro and Micronutrient Highlights

This isn’t just tasty—it’s smart fuel for your body.

Nutrient	Source	Benefit
Protein	Shrimp & sausage	Supports muscle and metabolism
Fiber	Broccoli	Aids digestion and keeps you full
Iron & Zinc	Sausage	Boosts energy and immune health
Vitamin C	Broccoli & garlic	Strengthens immunity and skin health
Antioxidants	Garlic & honey	Fights inflammation and supports heart health

With a good mix of healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber, it’s satisfying without being heavy.

Why It’s a Healthy Skillet Choice

Many skillet dinners are loaded with cheese and cream. This one keeps things lighter while still feeling indulgent:

Low in processed carbs (unless you serve it with rice or noodles)
Gluten-free friendly if you use tamari instead of soy sauce
Balanced flavors so you don’t overeat due to salt or sugar spikes
Portion control is easy thanks to bold flavors—just a scoop fills you up

Don’t miss our cottage cheese chips for a fun, protein-packed snack to pair on the side!

Flavor Tips & Cooking Hacks

Balancing Sweet, Savory, and Spice

The magic of this dish lies in the honey garlic glaze. To elevate your sauce from good to unforgettable, balance is key:

Too Sweet? Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice
Too Salty? Cut back on soy sauce or use low-sodium
Not Enough Depth? Add a dash of sesame oil or Worcestershire sauce
Want More Heat? Stir in sriracha or chili garlic paste

Flavor hack: Toast your garlic for 20 seconds before adding the sauce—it deepens the flavor without bitterness.

How to Get the Best Sear on Shrimp and Sausage

Here’s how to avoid rubbery shrimp and soggy sausage slices:

Use a HOT skillet – Medium-high heat is your best friend
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Sear in batches if needed
Dry ingredients before cooking – Moisture = steam, not sear
Shrimp rule of thumb: Cook until pink and curled, about 1–2 minutes per side

Layering in this order—sausage → broccoli → shrimp—gives each component its moment to shine without overcooking anything.

Looking for inspiration? Try our cheesy chicken wrap recipe for another fast meal idea packed with protein.

Serving Suggestions and Side Pairings

Ideal Pairings: Rice, Noodles, or Low-Carb Options

Wondering what to serve with it? Here are tried-and-true combos:

Option	Why It Works
Steamed Jasmine Rice	Absorbs the sauce perfectly without overpowering the dish
Garlic Butter Noodles	Adds richness and makes it more filling
Cauliflower Rice	Keeps carbs low and adds more veggies
Quinoa	Nutty texture that complements the sweet-savory flavor
Mashed Sweet Potatoes	Sweet-on-sweet harmony that’s surprisingly great

You can also wrap it up in a lettuce cup, toss it into a pasta salad, or layer over zoodles for something totally different.

How to Plate and Garnish Like a Pro

Presentation matters—especially when you’re serving guests or prepping social-worthy meal photos:

plated honey garlic shrimp sausage broccoli over rice — Serve it over rice for a full meal experience

Use a shallow white bowl or black skillet to make colors pop
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for crunch and visual appeal
Add a lime wedge or drizzle of honey to tie it all together

It’s a fast dish, but it doesn’t have to look rushed. A few extra touches can make it restaurant-level.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftovers Properly

This dish stores beautifully and tastes just as good the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Cool completely before storing
Use airtight containers to avoid moisture build-up
Separate sauce and rice if you’re storing together to prevent sogginess
Refrigerator life: Up to 4 days
Freezer option: Freeze for up to 2 months, though shrimp texture may slightly change after thawing

Quick tip: If freezing, leave out broccoli and add freshly steamed when reheating—it keeps the texture crisp.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Want to prep this dish ahead of time? Here’s how:

For Meal Prep:

Cook everything except the sauce
Store shrimp, sausage, and broccoli separately
Make sauce fresh and reheat everything in the pan before serving

Freezer Meal Method:

Combine uncooked sausage, raw shrimp, broccoli, and sauce in a zip-top bag
Freeze flat
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook everything together in a hot skillet

This method keeps everything flavorful while saving you serious time on busy nights.

Pair It with These Winning Recipes

Suggested Complementary Dishes from Our Blog

Make it a complete meal with these blog-tested sides and snacks:

Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe
Add this for a chicken variation on honey garlic flavor
Seafood Lasagna
Hosting dinner? Serve both for a coastal-themed night
Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This is a creamy and savory contrast to the honey glaze
Cheesy Chicken Wrap Recipe
Great for repurposing leftovers into lunches

Meals That Use Similar Ingredients

If you’ve already got shrimp or sausage on hand, try these too:

Cottage Cheese Chips – a crunchy protein snack
Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges – the ultimate sidekick for honey garlic meals

These options use pantry-friendly ingredients and pair beautifully with your skillet masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make honey garlic shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal. Cook the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce separately and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. You can also prep it as a freezer meal by storing the raw ingredients together in a freezer bag.

Can I use other types of protein?

Definitely. You can swap shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even tempeh. Sausage can be replaced with turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or chorizo. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How to make honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli?

Start by searing sliced sausage in a skillet. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp. Then toss in the shrimp and sauté until just pink. Pour in your homemade honey garlic sauce and simmer for a few minutes until everything’s glazed and sticky. Serve hot over rice or noodles—or enjoy as-is!

When you need something quick, bold, and satisfying, it doesn’t get better than this dishe. It’s fast enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough for guests. With its irresistible sweet-savory glaze, high protein content, and endless ways to customize it, this dish earns a top spot in any home cook’s weekly rotation.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a flavor-packed skillet dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Check out the must healthier Mediterranean Diet dishes to try it today!