If you are craving a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and a hint of spice in one delightful meal, then you will fall head over heels for this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant, colorful skillet dinner that bursts with flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare. The juicy shrimp and smoky sausage pair perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that feels a little special without the fuss, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From succulent shrimp to crunchy broccoli and smoky sausage, each component makes this dish come alive.
- Large shrimp (1/2 pound): Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Smoked sausage (1/2 pound): Sliced into coins, it adds a smoky richness and satisfying texture.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Provide a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of green color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing to create a nice sear and to keep ingredients from sticking.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and balances out the sweetness.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The star of the sauce, lending sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens the flavor with a savory umami punch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant and zesty base to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang to brighten the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle, warming heat that complements the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce
Begin by combining honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until fully blended, creating a beautifully balanced sauce that will coat the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli with a sweet-savory glaze later on.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned and slightly caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step unleashes the sausage’s smoky flavor and crispy edges, adding texture to every bite. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli to Perfection
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets along with a splash of water to create steam. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just becoming tender but still crisp. Then remove the lid and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the green color and add a touch of caramelization. Transfer the broccoli to the plate with the cooked sausage to keep everything organized.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up slightly, signaling that they are perfectly cooked. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid any rubbery texture.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients with the Honey Garlic Sauce
Return the browned sausage and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the honey garlic sauce you prepared earlier, tossing everything gently to ensure every piece is coated with that luscious sauce. Allow the skillet to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken just a bit and meld all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh green onions on top just before serving. These garnishes add a delightful crunch, burst of color, and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, garlic noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Each option complements the saucy skillet perfectly and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this skillet recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of quinoa topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also transform it into lettuce wraps for a lighter, handheld version that’s perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so the next-day meal is just as delicious.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, it’s suggested to freeze only the prepared honey garlic sauce and sausage separately. Shrimp and broccoli tend to lose their texture when frozen and reheated. Keep the sauce and sausage in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp or making broccoli soggy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help retain moisture as you reheat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage varieties work beautifully and allow you to customize the dish to your dietary preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and sausage, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe is a naturally gluten-free meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots to add more color, crunch, and nutrients to the skillet.
How spicy is the dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor or increase them a bit if you like more spice.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Pair the honey garlic shrimp skillet with steamed rice, noodles, or a light salad to complete the meal. It’s also fantastic on its own for a lighter dinner option.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe is one of those rare finds that combines ease, speed, and mouthwatering flavor into a single pan. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again because it feels homey yet special, quick but satisfying. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the warmth and comfort that only a great skillet meal can bring to your table.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp and savory smoked sausage are cooked together with vibrant broccoli, all coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with a hint of spice. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a satisfying Asian-inspired main course that can be served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage (sliced into coins)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until the sausage pieces are browned and slightly crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets along with a splash of water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes slightly tender. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the broccoli is bright green with a bit of crispness left. Transfer the cooked broccoli to the plate with the sausage.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked sausage and broccoli back into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the reserved honey garlic sauce over the top and toss everything together to combine well. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli hot. It pairs wonderfully over steamed rice, noodles, or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty dish.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a different protein option.
- For added color and crunch, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas when steaming the broccoli.
- This dish can be easily modified to be gluten-free by ensuring the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
