Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet

This Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli stir-fry has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its perfect balance of protein and vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. When busy evenings threaten to derail your healthy eating plans, this 30-minute wonder comes to the rescue with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

I first created this recipe when trying to use up leftover ingredients in my fridge before a vacation. What started as a kitchen cleanup necessity has become our most requested weeknight meal. My teenagers even ask for the leftovers in their lunch boxes the next day which speaks volumes about its deliciousness.

• Large shrimp peeled and deveined: These provide lean protein and cook quickly. Look for sustainable wild-caught shrimp when possible for best flavor.
• Smoked sausage: Adds rich smoky flavor and heartiness. Choose a quality brand with visible spices for best results.
• Broccoli florets: Provides essential nutrients and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Select heads with tight dark green florets for freshness.
• Garlic finely minced: The aromatic foundation of the sauce. Fresh cloves yield much better flavor than pre-minced options.
• Honey: Creates natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce. Local raw honey offers the best flavor profile.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth without excessive saltiness. Low sodium allows better control of the overall salt level.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors with acidity. Always use freshly squeezed for clean citrus notes.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat that enhances the savory elements. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing with a higher smoke point than regular olive oil. Choose extra virgin for better flavor.

How To Make Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli

Prepare the sauce:

Mix honey soy sauce garlic lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. The honey will initially resist combining with the other ingredients but keep whisking until everything is smoothly incorporated. This can be done up to a day ahead and refrigerated.

Brown the sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer allowing space between pieces. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes turning occasionally until pieces develop a rich brown crust. The caramelization here adds significant depth to the final dish.

Cook the shrimp:

Season shrimp with salt and pepper then add to the same hot skillet. Arrange in a single layer and resist the urge to move them for the first 2 minutes. This ensures proper browning. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque but still tender. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery so watch carefully.

Sauté the broccoli:

Add broccoli florets to the empty skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Look for the broccoli to turn bright vibrant green while maintaining some crispness. If the pan seems dry add a tablespoon of water and cover briefly to create steam which helps tenderize the broccoli without making it soggy.

Combine and glaze:

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently to coat all pieces. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. The honey will caramelize creating a beautiful sticky glaze.

Serve with grains:

Spoon the mixture over freshly cooked rice or quinoa while still hot. The grain will absorb some of the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for color and freshness.

The smoked sausage is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this combination when my daughter requested shrimp and my son wanted sausage for dinner. Rather than making two separate meals I combined them and the result was magic. The smoky notes from the sausage infuse the entire dish creating layers of flavor impossible to achieve with either protein alone.

Storage Tips

This dish maintains its quality remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled. When reheating avoid the microwave which can make the shrimp tough. Instead gently warm in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce. The broccoli will soften slightly upon storage but the flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces work beautifully in place of shrimp cooking for slightly longer until no longer pink inside. Any cruciferous vegetable like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts can replace broccoli with similar cooking times. For a different flavor profile try using maple syrup instead of honey and adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a sweet and tangy variation that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.

Serving Suggestions

While rice makes a traditional base you can transform this versatile dish in multiple ways. Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting cold weather meal. For a lower carb option spoon over cauliflower rice or enjoy wrapped in butter lettuce leaves for a hand held dinner. During summer months this mixture makes an excellent filling for warm flour tortillas topped with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Cultural Context

This fusion recipe draws inspiration from multiple culinary traditions. The honey garlic sauce has Asian influences while the combination of shrimp and sausage evokes Cajun flavors reminiscent of jambalaya. The quick cooking method mirrors Chinese stir frying techniques focusing on high heat and maintaining the integrity of each ingredient. This blending of culinary approaches creates a dish that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh offering global flavors in an approachable format perfect for American home kitchens.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the protein in this dish?

Yes, you can easily substitute the protein. Try using chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces (cook for 5-6 minutes per side), firm white fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. For the sausage, any smoked variety works well, including kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, incorporate fresh sliced jalapeños or serranos when sautéing the broccoli, or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the final dish. A teaspoon of gochujang or sambal oelek would also work well in the sauce mixture.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

This versatile dish works wonderfully with bell peppers, snap peas, asparagus, green beans, or sliced zucchini. For a more substantial meal, add mushrooms or baby bok choy. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables cook faster than broccoli.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. For best texture, consider slightly undercooking the broccoli initially if you plan to reheat. The sauce may thicken when stored, so add a splash of water when reheating.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Also ensure your smoked sausage is gluten-free, as some varieties contain fillers with gluten. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice instead of other grains that may contain gluten.

→ What's the best type of shrimp to use?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for this dish as they're less likely to overcook. Both fresh and frozen shrimp (thawed) work well. If using frozen, make sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.