This Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is the ultimate one-pan meal, combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes every bite irresistible, and the dish comes together in just 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights or an effortless gourmet meal at home.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s completely customizable! Swap out the broccoli for bell peppers, add a dash of spice with extra red pepper flakes, or try a different protein like chicken or tofu. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. However you make it, this dish will surely become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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For the Dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 13 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside two-thirds of the sauce.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a zip-top bag, pour in the remaining third of the sauce, seal, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage & Shrimp: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Sear the sausage slices for 4-5 minutes until browned. Add the marinated shrimp (discarding excess marinade) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Combine & Simmer: Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet. Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the cooked broccoli back in and stir to coat.
- Serve: Spoon over warm white rice, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 646 kcal | Servings: 4
Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, is easy to make, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, then Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is the perfect recipe for you. This dish brings together the delicate sweetness of honey, the rich umami of soy sauce, and the deep savoriness of smoky sausage, all balanced with tender shrimp and crisp broccoli.
One of the best things about this meal is its versatility it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even an elegant dinner for guests. The combination of proteins (shrimp and sausage) ensures a hearty and satisfying meal, while the broccoli adds freshness and a nutritional boost. The glossy honey garlic sauce ties everything together beautifully, creating an irresistible bite every time.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers restaurant quality flavors in under 30 minutes. Read on to learn more about the history, variations, cooking tips, and serving suggestions for this delicious one-pan meal.
Why This Dish Works
There are many reasons why Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is a must-try recipe. Let’s break down why it’s such a winner:
1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of sweet honey, rich soy sauce, garlic, and smoky sausage creates a dynamic range of flavors in every bite. The shrimp, which naturally has a slight sweetness, pairs perfectly with the deep umami of the sauce. The kielbasa sausage adds a savory and slightly smoky contrast that enhances the overall taste.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to serve. Since it’s a one-pan meal, it also means minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. High in Protein and Nutrients
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and contains important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Sausage, while slightly richer, adds depth to the dish and keeps it satisfying. Broccoli contributes fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making this meal both nutritious and delicious.
4. Easily Customizable
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can swap out the shrimp for chicken, use turkey sausage instead of kielbasa, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. It’s a great base recipe that allows for personalization based on your preferences or what you have in your fridge.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the best flavors and textures, here are some expert cooking tips:
1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically in 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking it can lead to a rubbery texture. As soon as it turns pink and opaque, remove it from the heat.
2. Use High-Quality Sausage
The type of sausage you use will greatly impact the overall taste. Kielbasa, andouille, or even chorizo can add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder option, chicken or turkey sausage works well too.
3. Cook the Broccoli to the Right Texture
For the best texture, cook the broccoli until it is tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, while undercooked broccoli may be too tough. A quick sauté or steaming it lightly before adding it to the dish ensures it retains its vibrant color and crunch.
4. Let the Sauce Thicken Slightly
The honey garlic sauce should coat the ingredients beautifully. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. The honey will help create a glossy, slightly sticky glaze that clings to the shrimp and sausage.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Make It Spicy
If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can also use spicy andouille sausage for an extra kick.
2. Swap the Protein
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, pan-fry firm tofu cubes and coat them in the honey garlic sauce.
- Beef Strips: Thinly sliced beef adds a rich, hearty twist to the dish.
3. Use Different Vegetables
While broccoli works beautifully in this recipe, feel free to mix in other vegetables for variety. Great options include:
- Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Zucchini – Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Carrots – A pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Asparagus – A slightly earthy taste with a tender bite.
4. Make It Low-Carb
Instead of serving the dish over white rice, try cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or quinoa for a healthier, lower-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas:
1. Over Steamed Rice
The honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. The rice absorbs the sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.
2. With Noodles
Serve this dish over stir-fried lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti squash for a fun twist.
3. In a Wrap or Bowl
Turn it into a shrimp and sausage rice bowl with extra veggies, or stuff it into a wrap with some fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce.
4. As Meal Prep
Since this dish stores well in the refrigerator, it makes an excellent meal prep option for lunches throughout the week. Store it in airtight containers and reheat when needed.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is a dish that checks all the right boxes quick, flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying. With its perfectly balanced flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability, it’s no surprise that this meal has become a favorite in many households.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce bold flavors in a simple and approachable way.
So, the next time you’re in need of a delicious, no fuss meal, give this recipe a try. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and gourmet. Enjoy!