Imagine a sizzling skillet filled with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce. Sounds mouthwatering, right? That’s exactly what Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in just one pan

This dish is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and a hint of indulgence thanks to the caramelized honey-garlic glaze.

But here’s the best part: this recipe is super versatile! You can tweak it to suit your diet, spice preferences, or whatever ingredients you have in the fridge. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this meal is bound to become a favorite.

So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect honey garlic shrimp with sausage and broccoli

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

Still not convinced? Here’s why you NEED this recipe in your life:

• ✅ One-Pan Wonder – Say goodbye to mountains of dishes!
• ✅ Sweet, Savory & Smoky – A flavor explosion in every bite.
• ✅ High in Protein – Perfect for fueling your body.
• ✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• ✅ Endless Customization – Adjust the sweetness, spice, or protein to your liking

Hungry yet? Let’s break down the magic behind this dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s get everything ready. Below is a table summarizing all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious meal.

📝 Ingredients List:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Large Shrimp	1 pound (peeled & deveined)	Use fresh or frozen (thawed).
Smoked Sausage	8 ounces (sliced)	Andouille, chorizo, or kielbasa work best.
Broccoli Florets	2 cups	Fresh or frozen (blanched if frozen).
Garlic (minced)	4 cloves	The more, the better!
Honey	¼ cup	Adds natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce	⅓ cup	Low-sodium recommended.
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	For sautéing.
Butter	1 tablespoon	Adds richness.
Red Pepper Flakes	½ teaspoon (optional)	For a little heat.
Lemon Juice	1 tablespoon	Brightens the flavors.
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon	Thickens the sauce.
Water	2 tablespoons	Mix with cornstarch for slurry.

👉 Got dietary restrictions? No problem! Scroll down for substitutions and variations to make this dish gluten-free, keto-friendly, or vegetarian!

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to achieve a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, here’s what you need to do:

✔️ Peel and devein the shrimp (if they aren’t already cleaned). If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for about 10 minutes.

✔️ Slice the sausage into rounds (about ¼-inch thick).

✔️ Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.

✔️ Mince the garlic as finely as possible to release maximum flavor.

✔️ Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry this will help thicken the sauce later.

💡 Pro Tip: Have everything measured and ready before you start cooking! This dish comes together FAST, so you don’t want to scramble for ingredients mid-way.

Step 2: Sautéing the Sausage

Now, let’s fire up the pan!

1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and slightly crispy.
3️⃣ Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

🔸 Why brown the sausage first? This step releases delicious smoky flavors that will coat the shrimp and broccoli later!

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp Without Overcooking

Shrimp cook quickly, so pay attention!

1️⃣ In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the shrimp.
2️⃣ Cook for 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
3️⃣ Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

Common Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp! They should be JUST pink and firm any longer, and they become rubbery.

“Shrimp are like little timers when they curl up into a ‘C’ shape, they’re done! If they turn into an you’ve overcooked them.”

Step 4: Cooking the Broccoli to Perfection

Broccoli should be crisp-tender, not mushy

1️⃣ In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes until it turns bright green.

💡 Want softer broccoli? Add a splash of water and cover the pan for 1-2 minutes to steam it

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Now, for the grand finale!

1️⃣ Return the shrimp and sausage to the pan.
2️⃣ Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir everything together.
3️⃣ Add the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken (about 1-2 minutes).
4️⃣ Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a final flavor boost!

And just like that you’re DONE!

Final Step: Taste and adjust! Want more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey. Need more spice? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes

Common Problems and Solutions When Cooking This Dish

Cooking is an adventure, but sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. If you’ve ever faced issues like rubbery shrimp, too-thick sauce, or overcooked broccoli, don’t worry I’ve got you covered! Let’s go over some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. Shrimp Turns Out Rubbery – How to Fix It

Shrimp should be juicy and tender, not chewy like an old rubber band! Overcooking is the usual culprit.

Solution:

• Shrimp only need 2 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
• The second they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the pan.
• Use fresh shrimp if possible frozen shrimp tend to release extra water, which can make them tough.
• If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just toss them in at the last minute to warm them up.

“Remember, shrimp curl into a ‘C’ shape when they’re perfectly cooked. If they turn into an you’ve overdone it!”

2. Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin? Adjusting the Consistency

Your honey garlic sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the shrimp and sausage, but not gloopy or watery.

Solution for Thick Sauce:

• If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth and stir to loosen it up.
• Reduce heat to low while adjusting consistency boiling can cause it to over-thicken.

Solution for Thin Sauce:

• Add ½ teaspoon more cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water and stir for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
• Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it reaches the perfect consistency.

3. Balancing Sweetness and Garlic Flavor

Honey is naturally sweet, and when paired with garlic, soy sauce, and sausage, it creates a delicious sweet-savory balance. But sometimes, the sweetness can overpower everything else.

Solution:

• If it’s too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce, lemon juice, or a pinch of chili flakes to cut through the sweetness.
• If it’s too garlicky, balance it with an extra drizzle of honey or a bit of butter.

💡 Pro Tip: Taste as you go! Small adjustments make a big difference.

4. Preventing Sausage from Becoming Too Dry

Sausage should be juicy and flavorful, not dry and tough.

Solution:

• Cook it over medium heat instead of high heat. This prevents burning and drying out.
• Use a little oil or butter to help retain moisture.
• If your sausage is already dry, toss it in the sauce at the end to soak up some flavor.

5. Keeping Broccoli Bright Green and Crunchy

Nobody wants mushy, dull broccoli in their dish! It should be vibrant green and crisp-tender.

Solution:

• Don’t overcook it! 3 minutes max on medium-high heat is ideal.
• If using frozen broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds before adding it to the pan.
• Add a splash of water while stir-frying to create steam this helps it cook faster without losing texture.

“Think of broccoli like a sponge it soaks up flavors fast, but if you overcook it, it turns into mush!”

Variations and Substitutions for Different Diets

Want to make this dish low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian? No problem! Here’s how to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs.

Making It Keto or Low-Carb

This recipe is already protein-packed, but honey and cornstarch can add unwanted carbs. Here’s how to keep it keto-friendly:

✔️ Swap honey for sugar-free honey substitute or a few drops of liquid stevia.
✔️ Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (lower in carbs).
✔️ Replace cornstarch with xanthan gum (only a tiny pinch needed!).
✔️ Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Turning It into a Vegetarian Dish

Want a meatless version? Here’s how:

✔️ Swap shrimp for firm tofu (cubed and pan-fried).
✔️ Use plant-based sausage (like Beyond Sausage or Field Roast).
✔️ Add extra veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more texture.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Modifications

Good news! This dish is almost gluten-free by default just make these quick swaps:

✔️ Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
✔️ Skip the butter or use vegan butter if avoiding dairy.
✔️ Double-check your sausage some brands add fillers that contain gluten.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full meal, here are the best sides to pair with it!

1. Rice, Noodles, or Quinoa? Best Pairings

• Jasmine or Basmati Rice – Soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – Adds a rich, comforting twist.
• Quinoa – A great high-protein, gluten-free alternative.

2. Light and Refreshing Salad Options

• Asian Cucumber Salad – Crunchy, tangy, and refreshing.
• Mango Avocado Salad – Adds a tropical, sweet contrast.
• Simple Green Salad with Sesame Dressing – A healthy, fresh side.

3. Bread or Garlic Toast – A Crunchy Addition

• Crusty French Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Garlic Butter Texas Toast – Because extra garlic is always a good idea!
• Cornbread – Adds a slightly sweet, southern touch.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best things about Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is that it’s perfect for meal prep! Whether you want to make it ahead of time or store leftovers, these tips will ensure your dish stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy.

How to Store Leftovers Properly

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), proper storage is key to keeping the shrimp juicy, sausage flavorful, and broccoli crisp.

🔹 Storing in the Refrigerator:

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Store the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli together or separately for better texture when reheating.

🔹 Freezing for Long-Term Storage:

• While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can make shrimp a little rubbery when reheated.
• If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Avoid freezing broccoli it tends to become soggy after thawing.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re making this for meal prep, store the sauce separately and add it fresh when reheating for the best flavor

Reheating Without Losing Flavor or Texture

Reheating shrimp-based dishes can be tricky because shrimp overcook easily and become rubbery. Here’s how to warm it up the right way!

🔥 Reheating on the Stovetop (Best Method!)

1️⃣ Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
2️⃣ Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
3️⃣ Stir the dish gently for 2-3 minutes until warm.

🌡️ Reheating in the Microwave (Quick Option!)

1️⃣ Place the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish.
2️⃣ Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.
3️⃣ Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until just warm.

💡 Pro Tip: The microwave can zap the moisture out of shrimp fast! Always use low heat and short intervals to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Can You Freeze This Dish? Best Practices

Yes, but with a few precautions!

✔️ Shrimp and sausage freeze well, but broccoli tends to become mushy.
✔️ Freeze the shrimp and sausage separately if possible for better texture when reheated.
✔️ Do not freeze the sauce it’s best made fresh.

“If you’re planning to freeze this dish, cook everything except the broccoli. Add fresh broccoli when reheating for the best results!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s answer some common questions people have about making Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli!

1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

Yes! But be careful—pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed up, not cooked.

✔️ Add pre-cooked shrimp at the very end, just before serving.
✔️ Toss them in the hot sauce for 30 seconds just enough to coat and heat through.

2. What’s the Best Way to Make This Dish Less Sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, try these tweaks:

✔️ Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons instead of ¼ cup.
✔️ Add extra garlic or a splash of soy sauce to balance flavors.
✔️ A squeeze of lime or lemon juice cuts through the sweetness.

3. Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Broccoli?

Absolutely! This dish is super versatile, and you can swap out the broccoli for:

🥦 Green beans – Similar crisp texture.
🌶️ Bell peppers – Add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
🥕 Carrots – Give a crunchy bite and natural sweetness.
🍄 Mushrooms – Soak up the sauce beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a mix of colorful veggies for a more vibrant, nutrient-packed dish!

Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Dish Again and Again

Let’s recap why Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli is a must-try recipe!

✔️ One-pan, easy cleanup – Less time washing dishes, more time eating!
✔️ Sweet, savory, smoky goodness – A flavor explosion in every bite.
✔️ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust spice, sweetness, and veggies to your liking!

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a quick weekend meal, this dish never disappoints.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and variations, you’re ready to make the perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sausage and Broccoli at home