If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed recipes that don’t leave you with a pile of dishes. This honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli dish is one of those meals that checks all the boxes. Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy, it’s a stir-fry with bold flavors, minimal prep, and a sauce so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate. Best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious.

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe

My first taste of the perfect sweet and savory combo

I vividly remember the first time I threw shrimp and sausage into a skillet together. It was a random weeknight, and I had a mishmash of ingredients in my fridge—broccoli, some shrimp I’d thawed, and a pack of beef sausage. I was tired, so I decided to toss it all together with a quick honey-soy glaze. The result? Magic. The shrimp soaked up the sweet and garlicky sauce, the sausage added a smoky richness, and the broccoli provided the perfect crunch to balance the dish. I plated it over a bed of fluffy white rice, and with each bite, I felt like I’d unlocked some secret kitchen sorcery. To this day, this recipe is my go-to when I want something quick and ridiculously good.

A little background on this irresistible dish

This recipe is a blend of sweet-and-savory flavors often found in Asian-inspired stir-fries, with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. While stir-fries traditionally use chicken, swapping in shrimp and beef sausage adds a unique twist. Honey garlic sauces have been a staple in Asian-inspired cooking for ages, with the sweetness of honey balancing the saltiness of soy sauce. By adding lemon juice and garlic, this recipe gives you a fresh and zesty burst of flavor with every bite.

Let’s talk ingredients: shrimp, sausage, and broccoli stars

Shrimp: Shrimp is the star protein here, soaking up the marinade beautifully. Look for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you could try cubed chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Beef sausage: The sausage adds a smoky, hearty element to the dish. Opt for a high-quality beef sausage with minimal fillers for the best flavor. If you don’t have sausage on hand, try chicken sausage or even turkey kielbasa.
Broccoli: Broccoli gives the dish a much-needed crunch and vibrant green color. Make sure to cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. If broccoli isn’t available, snap peas or green beans are excellent swaps.
Honey: The natural sweetness of honey ties the sauce together, giving it that signature sticky texture. Agave nectar or maple syrup works great if you need an alternative.
Soy sauce: This provides the umami base for the sauce. Use a low-sodium version to keep the dish balanced, or substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.

Essential kitchen tools you’ll need

You don’t need much to make this dish come together, but these tools will make it a breeze:

A large skillet or wok: The wider the skillet, the better for stir-frying. It allows all the ingredients to cook evenly without crowding.
A whisk: Essential for mixing up the honey garlic sauce so everything is well-blended.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp and sausage, giving you more control than a spatula.
A sharp knife: You’ll need it to cut the sausage and chop the broccoli florets.

Don’t have a wok? No problem! A large nonstick skillet will do just fine.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for success

Make the sauce: Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Marinate the shrimp: Pour about a third of the sauce into a zip-top bag with the shrimp. Seal the bag, massage the shrimp gently to coat, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Pro tip: Don’t skip this step—the shrimp absorb the flavors beautifully!
Cook the broccoli: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet crisp. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Brown the sausage: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and toss in the sausage slices. Let them sear until golden and caramelized, flipping occasionally. This step is where the sausage’s flavor really shines.
Cook the shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This thickens the sauce and brings all the flavors together.
Combine and serve: Toss the cooked broccoli back into the skillet, mixing everything until well-coated in the glossy sauce. Serve over white rice and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Easy variations to switch things up

Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free.
Low-carb: Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or serve the stir-fry as-is.
Vegan option: Replace the shrimp with firm tofu cubes and the sausage with a plant-based sausage.
Spicier version: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha on top before serving.
Seasonal veggies: In summer, try zucchini or bell peppers instead of broccoli. In winter, roasted Brussels sprouts would be amazing.

I’ve tried most of these, and each one brings a unique twist to the dish. The vegan version surprised me the most—it’s just as hearty and flavorful as the original!

How to serve and wow your guests

Serve this dish over a steaming bowl of white rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top. Want to elevate the presentation? Use a wide, shallow bowl to layer the rice first, followed by the stir-fry. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side for a little extra zing. For a complete meal, pair this with a light side salad or some crispy spring rolls.

Perfect drinks to pair with your meal

I recommend a crisp, slightly sweet option to balance the savory sauce. A chilled glass of iced green tea with a touch of honey works wonderfully. Lemonade is another great option, especially if you like to highlight the lemony tang in the sauce. If you prefer something sparkling, go for a fizzy lime soda or sparkling water with a splash of orange juice—it’s refreshing without overpowering the dish.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add the stir-fry to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long, as it can make them rubbery.

Scaling the recipe for any occasion

Cooking for a crowd? Double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding. If you’re cooking for just one or two people, halve the recipe, but keep the sauce quantities the same—you’ll love having extra sauce for your rice!

Potential hiccups (and how to avoid them)

Shrimp overcooked? Cook just until pink and opaque—this happens quickly, so don’t step away!
Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water or broth while it simmers.
Broccoli too soft? Cook it for less time, leaving it slightly crunchy to contrast the shrimp and sausage.

Ready to try this irresistible dish?

This honey garlic shrimp, sausage, and broccoli recipe is truly a gem for busy nights or when you’re craving something flavorful and hearty. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—switch up the veggies, tweak the spice level, or serve it with a different grain. No matter how you make it, I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

2. What’s the best way to cut broccoli?
Slice off the large stem and break the florets into bite-sized pieces. Use the stem for soups or stir-fries if you don’t want to waste it.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or mix in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the reserved sauce.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and marinate the shrimp a day ahead. Cook everything fresh for the best flavor.

5. Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?
You can skip it, but the lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that ties the flavors together beautifully.

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Recipe