A Quick Story: The Recipe That Became a Family Favorite
Some of the best recipes happen by accident, and Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage is one of them. I remember the first time I made this dish it was one of those “use whatever is in the fridge” kind of nights. I had shrimp, a pack of smoked sausage, and some leftover broccoli. With a little honey, garlic, and a hot pan, I threw it all together, and suddenly, I had created magic.
That first bite? Pure sweet, savory, and garlicky perfection. The shrimp were juicy, the sausage was smoky, and the broccoli soaked up all that sticky, delicious honey garlic sauce. My family devoured it in minutes, and since then, it’s become our go-to quick and easy dinner.
If you love bold flavors, fast cooking, and minimal cleanup, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s better than takeout, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with protein and veggies. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Recipe
Why is this recipe a must-try? Let’s break it down:
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes, and maximum flavor
Packed with Protein – Shrimp and sausage make this meal satisfying and filling
Sweet & Savory Sauce – The honey garlic glaze is the star of the dish
Versatile & Customizable – Swap the veggies, adjust the spice, or make it low-carb
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about what you’ll need. This dish uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
the Shrimp
- Large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- Salt & black pepper
- Butter (for extra richness)
For the Sausage & Broccoli
- Smoked sausage (sliced)
- Broccoli florets
- Olive oil
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to cook. This recipe comes together in five simple steps, and the best part? Everything cooks in one pan!
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
Cooking is so much easier when everything is prepped in advance. Here’s how to get ready:
- Peel and devein the shrimp – If using fresh shrimp, remove the shells and tails.
- Slice the sausage – Cut it into bite-sized rounds.
- Chop the broccoli – Use bite-sized florets for even cooking.
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
The honey garlic sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with umami flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in the honey and soy sauce mixture and stir well.
- If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, then add it to the pan.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Cooking the Sausage & Broccoli

Now it’s time to get that smoky, savory sausage crispy and golden brown!
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for another 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks fast, so stay close to the pan!
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir everything together.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Time for the final step—combining all the ingredients!
- Add the cooked sausage and broccoli back into the skillet.
- Toss everything in the honey garlic sauce until fully coated.
- Cook for 1 more minute, letting the flavors blend.
- Remove from heat and serve hot!
Nutritional Values Per Serving
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~450 kcal |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Sugar | 10g |
Fiber | 4g |
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage
Want to make sure your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage turns out perfect every time? Here are some game-changing tips to take this dish to the next level.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Not all shrimp are created equal! Here’s how to pick the best ones for this recipe:
Use large or jumbo shrimp – They stay juicy and don’t overcook as quickly.
Fresh vs. frozen – Fresh is great, but frozen shrimp (thawed properly) work just as well.
Peeled & deveined – Save yourself time and effort by buying pre-prepped shrimp.
Keep the tails on (optional) – It adds extra flavor and looks more appealing when serving.
Picking the Best Sausage for This Recipe
The sausage you choose makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
Smoked sausage – Adds a deep, smoky richness (Andouille or Kielbasa work well).
Chicken or turkey sausage – A leaner option with great flavor.
Spicy sausage – Want a kick? Try a hot Italian or Cajun-style sausage.
Getting Perfectly Cooked Broccoli
Nobody likes soggy or undercooked broccoli! Here’s how to get it just right:
Cut into bite-sized pieces – This ensures even cooking.
Cook over medium-high heat – It keeps the broccoli tender-crisp, not mushy.
Don’t overcook – 3-4 minutes is enough to maintain a slight crunch.
Want extra flavor? Sauté in a little garlic butter before adding to the dish.
How to Balance the Sweet & Savory Flavors
The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish, but getting the balance right is key.
✔ Too sweet? Add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Not sweet enough? Add ½ teaspoon more honey and mix well.
✔ Want more garlic? Feel free to double the garlic in the sauce!
Need some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha does the trick.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even the best recipes can go wrong sometimes. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues with Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage.
Problem: My Shrimp Turned Out Tough and Rubbery!
✅ Solution: Overcooked shrimp become chewy. Cook them for only 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque, then remove from heat immediately.
Problem: My Sauce Is Too Runny!
✅ Solution: Add a cornstarch slurry (½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and let it simmer until thickened.
Problem: The Broccoli is Too Soft!
✅ Solution: Reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes and cook over medium-high heat for a tender-crisp texture.
Problem: My Dish is Too Salty!
✅ Solution: Add a splash of water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness.
Customizations & Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are easy ways to customize this recipe!
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage 🔥
- Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce
- Drizzle with sriracha or hot honey before serving
- Use spicy Andouille sausage instead of regular sausage
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version 🥑
- Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener
- Swap broccoli for zucchini or bell peppers
- Use a low-carb sausage (like chicken or turkey)
Vegetarian Alternative 🌱
- Replace shrimp with extra-firm tofu (cubed and pan-fried)
- Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version
Pro Tip: This recipe works with so many ingredients—feel free to experiment with what you have in your fridge!
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage?
Looking for the perfect side dishes to complete your meal? Try these:
🍚 Steamed White or Brown Rice – Absorbs all that delicious sauce
🥢 Garlic Butter Noodles – Adds extra richness
🥦 Stir-Fried Veggies – Keep it healthy with extra greens
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – A comforting side that pairs perfectly
Want a lighter option? Serve this dish over cauliflower rice or a simple side salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them in cold water for 15 minutes, then pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and cook when ready. The sauce can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Try This Recipe!
If you love fast, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals, then Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage needs to be on your dinner table tonight! It’s:
Sweet, smoky, and garlicky
✅ Ready in 30 minutes
Packed with protein & veggies
✅ Customizable for any diet
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp smoky sausage and a sweet garlic sauce This dish is packed with protein and coated in a sticky delicious glaze making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep It comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs well with rice noodles or vegetables
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
Honey
Soy sauce
Minced garlic
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes optional
Cornstarch to thicken
For the Shrimp
Large shrimp peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper
Butter
For the Sausage & Broccoli
Smoked sausage sliced
Broccoli florets
Olive oil
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil
Sauté the sliced sausage until browned and slightly crispy about 3-4 minutes remove from the pan and set aside
In the same pan add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender remove from the pan
Melt butter in the pan and add the shrimp seasoning with salt and black pepper
Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque then remove from heat
In a small bowl whisk together honey soy sauce minced garlic red pepper flakes and cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken
Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened
Return the sausage broccoli and shrimp to the pan tossing everything to coat in the sauce
Cook for another minute until everything is heated through
Serve immediately with rice noodles or enjoy as is
Notes
For extra spice add sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the sauce
If using frozen shrimp thaw them in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking
To make this dish keto-friendly swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative and serve with cauliflower rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Garlic Honey Shrimp & Sausage Sweet Garlic Shrimp & Sausage Shrimp & Sausage in Honey Garlic Sauce