If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and satisfying textures, the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant skillet combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp broccoli all glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, bringing together sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is as straightforward to make as it is delightful to eat, promising a feast that’s both nourishing and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and versatile ingredients is the secret behind this skillet’s outstanding flavor. Each item plays a unique role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and appeal.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Sausage (1 pound): Smoked or andouille adds smoky depth and savory richness.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Brighten the dish with freshness and crunch.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and enriching flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides an aromatic punch that complements both shrimp and sausage.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The golden sweetener that marries the savory and tangy elements beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings umami and saltiness; tamari works well if you prefer gluten-free.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang that lifts the whole dish.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to a luscious finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat that awakens the palate.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the layered flavors.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): Gorgeous garnishes that add texture and freshness at the end.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and let it brown beautifully, which develops that smoky, flavorful crust. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside. This step not only cooks the sausage perfectly but also leaves behind tasty drippings that will flavor the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant but not browned. This brief sauté releases garlic’s wonderful aroma, creating an irresistible base for your skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and stir occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to become just tender while retaining a fresh crunch to balance the textures. This step works beautifully to lock in broccoli’s vibrant color and maintain its nutritional benefits.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together well and cook until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. This stage is where the magic happens — the honey garlic sauce coats every piece, bringing the dish’s signature flavor alive.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with one tablespoon of water until smooth and stir it into the skillet. Let it cook for another minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish. This adds a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Season to taste with salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. For that extra touch of charm and crunch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions just before serving. This step not only brings vibrant color but also layers in subtle nutty and fresh notes.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing the skillet with sesame seeds and green onions adds dimension and brightness. The seeds lend a delicate nutty crunch that complements the honey garlic glaze, while the green onions provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast that awakens the palate.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own but pairs beautifully with rustic jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the honey garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet in individual cast iron skillets or over a bed of buttered noodles. Wrapping the sausages separately in lettuce leaves alongside the shrimp and broccoli adds a playful, hand-held dining experience that’s great for casual meals or parties. The key is to celebrate the vibrant colors and glossy sauce in any presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it an excellent option for delicious next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
While the broccoli texture may soften upon freezing, you can freeze the leftover shrimp and sausage mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture and avoid sogginess. A quick stir-fry with a splash of water or extra soy sauce helps rejuvenate the sauce without drying out the shrimp or broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether it’s smoked, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo, each sausage variation brings a unique flavor profile that works beautifully with the honey garlic glaze and shrimp. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is there a substitute for honey if I want a different sweetness?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives if you want a different sweetness profile, though honey’s floral notes complement this dish so well that it’s worth trying at least once in the original form.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your sausage brand is gluten-free. This will keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
How can I add more vegetables to this skillet?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or even sliced mushrooms. Adding them early when cooking the broccoli ensures they soften nicely and absorb the honey garlic flavors.
What can I do if I don’t like spicy food?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and easy to leave out. The dish is deliciously balanced without heat, showcasing sweet and savory tones that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet Recipe — it’s a one-pan wonder that bursts with flavor and color, ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a comforting, go-to favorite on your menu. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from the skillet!
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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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe combines succulent shrimp and flavorful sausage with tender broccoli in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Cooked quickly in a skillet, this dish is perfect for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sausage (smoked, andouille, or your choice), sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season & Serve: Season the dish with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute sausage type according to preference—chorizo or chicken sausage work well.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control heat level.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen thawed shrimp works too.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.
