Fast, Flavorful, and Packed with Protein: This Shrimp & Sausage Stir-Fry Never Misses

When the week gets hectic and I need something quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish is my answer. It’s one of those magical one-pan meals that feels way fancier than the effort it takes. Plus, it delivers that irresistible sweet-savory balance I crave after a long day.

The combo of juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender broccoli is pure comfort, all tied together with a sticky honey garlic glaze that practically demands to be spooned over a bowl of rice. If you’re looking for a fast, protein-packed dinner with major flavor, you’re in the right place.

Why This One-Skillet Meal Works

This dish has quickly climbed the ranks in my weeknight rotation. Here’s why it always delivers:

  • Shrimp and sausage are a dream team: The mild sweetness of shrimp and bold smokiness of sausage create a perfect contrast.
  • The sauce is everything: Honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice come together to create a glossy glaze with just enough heat.
  • Minimal cleanup: One skillet, one bowl for the sauce, and you’re done.
  • Customizable to your taste: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap broccoli for snap peas—this dish is super flexible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins)

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How I Make Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

1. Mix the Sauce

I start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This gets set aside so it’s ready to go once everything’s cooked.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I warm the olive oil, then add the sliced sausage. It cooks for 4–5 minutes, just until it’s browned and starting to crisp. Once done, I transfer it to a plate.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Next, I toss the shrimp into the same skillet. A light sprinkle of salt and pepper is all they need. They cook for about 2–3 minutes per side—just until they turn pink and opaque. I pull them out and add them to the plate with the sausage.

4. Sauté the Broccoli

Still using the same skillet, I add the broccoli. If I notice the pan getting too dry, I’ll splash in a little water to help steam the florets. After about 4–5 minutes, the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp—just how I like it.

5. Bring It All Together

I return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the broccoli and pour the honey garlic sauce all over it. Then I stir everything together and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce thickens just slightly, enough to coat all the ingredients in that glossy, garlicky goodness.

6. Serve and Garnish

I serve this hot over a bowl of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa, then sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top if I’m feeling fancy.

My Favorite Tips for This Recipe

  • Use pre-cooked sausage to save time: It browns up quickly and adds smoky depth to the dish.
  • Shrimp cooks fast: Keep an eye on them—overcooked shrimp get rubbery, and nobody wants that.
  • Sauce too thick or thin?: A splash of water loosens it up, or simmer longer for more reduction.
  • Want it spicier?: Add a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

What I Serve This With

This dish is pretty complete on its own, but I like to serve it with:

  • Jasmine or brown rice for something hearty
  • Quinoa if I want a nutty, protein-packed base
  • A cucumber salad for a fresh contrast
  • Roasted sweet potatoes when I want a bit of sweetness to match the sauce

FAQs From My Kitchen to Yours

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.

Q: What sausage is best?
A: I love using smoked beef sausage, but turkey sausage works great too if you want a leaner option.

Q: Is this meal freezer-friendly?
A: Not really—the texture of shrimp and broccoli can get a bit off when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or from the fridge.

Why You’ll Want to Keep This in Your Dinner Rotation

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli skillet is a triple threat: quick, flavorful, and balanced. The mix of protein and veggies makes it feel nourishing, while that sticky-sweet sauce makes it feel like takeout—but better. It’s the kind of dish you throw together on a whim, but keep coming back to because it just works.

If you give it a try, let me know what veggies or twists you added—I’m always looking for new ways to remix it. You might just find yourself adding this to your regular weeknight lineup too.

Fast, Flavorful, and Packed with Protein: This Shrimp & Sausage Stir-Fry Never Misses

Fast, Flavorful, and Packed with Protein: This Shrimp & Sausage Stir-Fry Never Misses

When the week gets hectic and I need something quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor, this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli dish is my answer. It’s one of those magical one-pan meals that feels way fancier than the effort it takes. Plus, it delivers that irresistible sweet-savory balance I crave after a long day.
By Jason GriffithPublished on April 25, 2025
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time20 min
Total Time30 min
Servings4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or quinoa.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 400 calories
Protein Content: 30g
Carbohydrate Content: 45g
Fat Content: 15g
Tags: shrimp stir-fry, quick dinner, one-pan meal, healthy recipes, shrimp and sausage