This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish has been a total lifesaver in my house. It’s packed with protein, has a touch of sweetness, and comes together crazy fast. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens without the eye-rolls and negotiations at the dinner table.
What you’ll love about it? It’s versatile, it reheats well (hello, leftovers!), and it’s honestly just fun to eat. Shrimp for the seafood lovers, sausage for the hearty eaters, and broccoli to balance it all out.
This recipe also helped me during one of those chaotic weeks when I needed something fast, nutritious, and guaranteed to please everyone. And trust me, it delivered.
Let’s get you cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into coins
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you want a little kick)
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use pre-cooked sausage: It speeds things up and ensures you don’t have to worry about undercooking it when juggling kids or a busy night.
- Flash-cook your shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Overcooking them makes them rubbery. Just a couple of minutes per side is all you need.
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces: Smaller florets cook quicker and are easier for kids to eat without needing a knife.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice: If you’re planning to serve this over rice or noodles, you’ll want that extra sauce to soak into everything.
- Marinate shrimp for extra flavor: If you have 15 minutes, toss your shrimp in a little of the honey garlic sauce ahead of time. Makes a big difference!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Sausage: Swap smoked sausage for chicken sausage or even turkey kielbasa if you prefer.
- Shrimp: Not a shrimp fan? Chicken breast cut into small pieces works great too, just cook it through before adding the broccoli.
- Broccoli: Substitute with snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers if your crew isn’t big on broccoli.
- Soy Sauce: Use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Sweetness: Swap honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have.
Make Ahead Tips
- Marinate shrimp earlier: Combine the shrimp with half of the sauce in the morning and refrigerate.
- Prep everything: Slice sausage, cut broccoli, and whisk sauce together ahead of time. Store each separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage slices and cook until they start to brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Push sausage to the side of the skillet and add shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and pour the honey garlic sauce over everything.
- Stir well to coat all the ingredients and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with black pepper, salt to taste, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, or just enjoy it straight out of the pan.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Leftovers make an awesome lunch the next day, especially when served cold in a wrap.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them first. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in your pan.
How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?
High heat and short cooking time are key. Only cook until the shrimp turns pink and curls into a loose “C” shape.
What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Smoked beef or pork sausage works best, but chicken sausage is great if you want a lighter option.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Add more red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of sriracha at the end.
Is this kid-friendly if they don’t like broccoli?
Totally, just swap it for a veggie they love or leave it out and serve another veggie on the side.
Wrapping Up
I know you’re going to love how fast, simple, and crazy good this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is.
It’s a family-approved dinner that saves you from another night of “what do I even make?” stress. So give it a try, and when you do, drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you, and don’t hesitate to share any tweaks you made!
