Honey garlic shrimp, sausage & broccoli

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, Garlicky, with Smoky Undertones

A complete, vibrant one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor in minimum time. This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is the epitome of fast, healthy, and delicious weeknight cooking. It masterfully combines three powerhouse ingredients into a harmonious dish where sweet, sticky honey garlic glaze coats plump shrimp, savory slices of smoked sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli florets. The recipe solves the common dilemma of achieving a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly without becoming gummy or overly sweet. By building the sauce directly in the pan with the caramelized fond from the sausage and shrimp, every component becomes infused with a complex, umami-rich flavor that belies the simple 30-minute timeline.

The Flavor Algorithm: Building Depth in a Flash

The success of this dish lies in its strategic cooking sequence—a technique that builds layers of flavor directly in the skillet. We start by searing the sausage to render its smoky fats, creating the cooking medium and flavor base. The broccoli is then sautéed in that fat, absorbing the smokiness. The shrimp cook quickly, leaving sweet, briny notes in the pan. Finally, the sauce is crafted from this flavorful foundation, where garlic sizzles, honey caramelizes slightly, and a touch of acid balances the richness. This “layering” method ensures every bite is multi-dimensional, not just a protein and vegetable tossed in sauce.

Ingredients

For the Protein & Vegetables:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

5-6 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional slurry, for thicker glaze)

For Garnish:

2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment

Large skillet or wok (12-inch minimum, with a lid or large piece of foil)
Tongs
Whisk
Small bowl for sauce mixing
Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Pat Dry

The Foundation for a Good Sear. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for getting a slight sear instead of steaming. Slice the sausage and cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets for even cooking. Mince the garlic and combine all sauce ingredients—except the butter and cornstarch slurry—in a small bowl.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

Building the Smoky Base. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized. The goal is to render the fat and create fond (those browned bits) on the pan. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon to a clean plate, leaving the rendered fat behind.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Infusing with Flavor. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and has some browned edges. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid (or foil) to steam the broccoli for 1-2 minutes until crisp-tender. Uncover, allow any remaining water to evaporate, and then transfer the broccoli to the plate with the sausage.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Quick & Perfect. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty skillet. Ensure the pan is hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until they are just opaque and pink. They cook very quickly; do not overcrowd. Remove the shrimp to the shared plate. The pan will now hold layers of flavor from all three components.

Step 5: Craft the Signature Sauce

The Grand Unifier. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour the pre-mixed honey garlic sauce (honey, soy, lemon, sriracha) into the pan. It will bubble and simmer immediately. Scrape up any remaining fond from the bottom of the pan with a whisk—this is where the magic lives.
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. For a thicker, glossier glaze that clings better, whisk in the optional cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute until thickened.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

The Glossy Finale. Remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk in the cold butter until it melts and emulsifies into the sauce, creating a silky, rich texture. Return all cooked components—sausage, broccoli, and shrimp—back to the skillet. Gently toss everything until evenly and generously coated in the glossy honey garlic glaze.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

The Vibrant Finish. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish immediately with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh squeeze over the top. This dish is best served immediately over a bed of rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to soak up the incredible sauce.

The Science of the Sauce: Why It Works

This sauce achieves the ideal balance through careful chemistry. The honey provides sweetness and viscosity, which caramelizes slightly when it hits the hot pan. The soy sauce adds umami depth and salt. The acid (lemon juice) cuts the sweetness and richness, preventing the dish from tasting cloying. Adding cold butter off the heat (a technique called monter au beurre) emulsifies the sauce, giving it a professional, velvety body that clings to every ingredient instead of pooling at the bottom of the plate.

Pro-Tips for Flawless Execution

High Heat is Key: A properly preheated pan is essential for searing the sausage and shrimp, not boiling them in their own juices.
Don’t Crowd the Shrimp: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding creates steam, which prevents browning and leads to rubbery shrimp.
Mise en Place: Have everything prepped and sauces mixed before you start cooking. The process moves quickly.
Butter Last: Adding the butter off the heat prevents the sauce from breaking (separating).
Adapt the Heat: The sriracha provides a subtle background warmth. For more kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic or increase the sriracha to 2 tablespoons.

Customization & Variations

Protein Swaps: Use chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp. Replace sausage with chopped bacon.
Vegetable Variations: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or asparagus with the broccoli.
Pineapple Twist: Add 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks with the broccoli for a sweet-tropical note.
Low-Carb/Keto: Use a sugar-free honey substitute (like Nature’s Hollow) or replace honey with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup. Ensure sausage has no added sugars.

Serving Suggestions

Over Grains: Serve atop steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or coconut rice.
Low-Carb Style: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Noodle Bowl: Toss with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty bowl.
Simple & Clean: Enjoy straight from the skillet as a high-protein, veggie-forward meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, without rice or sides)

Calories: ~480 kcal
Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 230mg
Sodium: 1300mg (varies greatly with sausage and soy sauce choice)
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 23g (primarily from honey)
Protein: 35g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on using andouille sausage, regular soy sauce, and includes all sauce consumed. For lower sodium, use low-sodium sausage and reduced-sodium soy sauce.

The Final Verdict: Weeknight Hero

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a triumph of efficient, flavorful cooking. It proves that a dazzling, restaurant-worthy meal doesn’t require complex techniques or hours in the kitchen. It’s a colorful, balanced, and deeply satisfying dish where every component shines, united by a perfectly balanced, glossy sauce. It’s the reliable, 30-minute answer to “what’s for dinner?” that will have everyone reaching for seconds.