Low-Carb Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 13, 2025

Growing up, my family had a tradition—Sunday night dinners were always something special. No matter how busy the week had been, Sunday was the one day we all gathered around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and, of course, amazing food.

One of my favorite dishes from those nights was a simple shrimp stir-fry my mom used to make. She wasn’t one for overly complicated meals, but she knew how to pack a punch with flavor. I remember standing beside her, watching as she tossed fresh shrimp into a sizzling pan, the smell of garlic filling the air. She’d add a touch of sweetness with honey, a little tang from lemon, and somehow, with just a few ingredients, she created a dish that felt like pure comfort.

Now, I’ve taken that inspiration and turned it into my own version—Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli. It has all the flavors I loved as a kid, but with an added smoky depth from the sausage and a nutritious boost from fresh broccoli. It’s quick, easy, and the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite.

What Makes This Dish a Must-Try?

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

This dish is all about contrast—sweet honey paired with umami-rich soy sauce, bright lemon juice cutting through smoky sausage, and tender shrimp balanced by crisp broccoli. Every bite is layered with flavor.

2. One-Pan Simplicity

Minimal cleanup? Yes, please! This entire meal comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Less time spent washing dishes means more time spent enjoying your meal.

3. Protein-Packed and Nutrient-Dense

With shrimp and smoked sausage, this dish delivers a hefty dose of protein, keeping you full and satisfied. Broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded meal.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is easy to tweak based on your preferences. Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it for chicken. Want more veggies? Throw in bell peppers or snap peas. Looking for extra spice? A dash of sriracha does the trick.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz (225g) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred, but frozen works)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add ½ tablespoon olive oil.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
Toss in the broccoli and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli mixture.
Serve as is or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 320-350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 14g

This dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick yet impressive dinner! Let me know if you want variations or substitutions.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Shrimp: A Lean Protein Powerhouse

Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain muscle while keeping meals light. It’s also rich in selenium, which supports a healthy immune system.

Smoked Sausage: Bold Flavor with Added Protein

While sausage tends to be higher in fat, choosing a high-quality variety can add delicious smokiness to the dish. Opting for turkey or chicken sausage can make this meal even leaner.

Broccoli: A Superfood Staple

Broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also supports digestion and adds a satisfying crunch to the dish.

Garlic: Small but Mighty

Garlic isn’t just for flavor—it’s also packed with health benefits. It supports heart health, boosts the immune system, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Make It a Rice Bowl

Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option.

Wrap It in a Tortilla

Turn this into a fun and flavorful wrap by filling warm tortillas with the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli mixture. Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

Pair with a Fresh Side Salad

A crisp side salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory elements of this dish. Try arugula, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast.

Add a Creamy Element

A dollop of Greek yogurt or a light aioli can bring a creamy balance to the dish, especially if you add a bit of heat to the sauce.

Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor

1. Get a Perfect Sear on the Sausage

Don’t rush this step! Let the sausage develop a golden-brown crust in the pan before adding other ingredients. This enhances its smoky depth and makes the dish even more flavorful.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly—about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so remove it from the pan as soon as it turns pink and opaque.

3. Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the honey garlic sauce.

4. Make It Spicier (If You Dare!)

If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with chili oil or hot sauce on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.

2. What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even andouille for extra spice.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the shrimp and sausage for tofu or tempeh. The honey garlic sauce works beautifully with plant-based proteins.

6. What can I serve this dish with?

It’s delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with quinoa, noodles, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Meal Worth Making Again and Again

This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Sausage and Broccoli is more than just a quick meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and effortless cooking. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the days ahead, this dish delivers in both taste and nutrition.

From the rich smokiness of the sausage to the caramelized sweetness of the honey garlic sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, the ease of a one-pan meal makes it a go-to favorite for anyone who loves delicious food without the hassle of endless dishes.

Try it once, and it just might become one of your most-requested meals at home. What are your favorite ways to enjoy a dish like this? Let me know—I’d love to hear your creative twists!