Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage – Easy One-Pan Dinner

When life gets hectic and dinner feels like yet another chore, I turn to this incredible Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage recipe. This one-pan wonder has saved countless weeknight meals in my home, combining sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in a dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of plump shrimp and flavorful sausage creates a protein-packed meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, while the sticky honey garlic sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony.

I’ve perfected this recipe through countless iterations, discovering the ideal cooking times, ingredient ratios, and flavor combinations. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—you can serve it over rice, with vegetables, or enjoy it straight from the pan for a low-carb option. Let me walk you through creating this delicious meal that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before diving into the details, let me share why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal planning:

• Quick preparation: From start to finish in under 30 minutes
• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
• Budget-friendly: Stretches premium ingredients with affordable additions
• Versatile: Works with different sausage varieties and seafood options
• Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or leftover dinners
• Kid-approved: Sweet and savory flavors appeal to the whole family
• Impressive enough for guests: Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, I’ve carefully balanced flavors and textures to create a memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Protein

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, or your preference), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

For Serving (Optional)

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
• Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

One of the joys of this recipe is its simplicity in terms of equipment. You’ll need:

• 12-inch skillet or wok (cast iron works wonderfully)
• Mixing bowl for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Tongs for flipping the proteins
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage dinner:

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set both mixtures aside.

Cook the Protein

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Using tongs, transfer the sausage to a clean plate, leaving the flavorful oils in the pan.
5. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
6. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 1 minute per side until they just begin to turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook!
7. Return the sausage to the skillet with the shrimp.

Add the Sauce

1. Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture over the shrimp and sausage.
2. Give the cornstarch slurry another quick stir (it tends to settle) and add it to the skillet as well.
3. Gently stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the shrimp and sausage beautifully.

Finish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce has thickened.
2. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.
3. Serve immediately over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

After making this dish countless times, I’ve discovered several techniques that elevate it from good to exceptional:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning of both the shrimp and sausage.
• Watch the shrimp carefully: They cook in just 1-2 minutes per side; overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Sauce consistency matters: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
• Prep ahead: Chop all ingredients and mix the sauce before you start cooking, as the cooking process moves quickly.
• Quality matters: Fresh shrimp and high-quality sausage make a noticeable difference in the final dish.
• Garlic technique: For maximum flavor, let minced garlic rest for 10 minutes before cooking to activate its beneficial compounds.
• Heat management: Maintain medium-high heat throughout to achieve caramelization without burning.

Variations to Try

This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for creative adaptations. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Protein Swaps

• Substitute chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces) for shrimp
• Try Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage for a different flavor profile
• Add scallops along with or instead of shrimp for a seafood extravaganza
• Use tofu and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version

Flavor Adjustments

• Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for an Asian-inspired twist
• Incorporate 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of zest for citrus notes
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile
• Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat

Vegetable Additions

• Toss in a handful of snow peas during the last minute of cooking
• Add thinly sliced bell peppers when cooking the sausage
• Include broccoli florets (blanched beforehand) when returning sausage to the pan
• Stir in baby spinach just before serving for added nutrients

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content helps with meal planning. Here’s a breakdown per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish works beautifully for meal prep and leftovers:

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator
• Clean and devein shrimp the day before and store in the refrigerator
• Slice sausage up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container
• Chop garnishes and store in damp paper towels in the refrigerator for freshness

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For best results when reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through
• Not recommended for freezing as the texture of the shrimp may change

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your meal with these complementary side dishes:

Grain Options

• Fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice
• Quinoa for a protein-rich alternative
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Brown rice for added fiber and nutrients

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan
• Simple green salad with sesame ginger dressing
• Sautéed sugar snap peas with garlic
• Steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon

Bread Accompaniments

• Garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce
• Warm dinner rolls for a comforting addition
• Naan bread as a unique fusion option
• Crusty sourdough for texture contrast

The Story Behind This Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when my refrigerator contained little more than some frozen shrimp and a package of sausage that needed to be used. Desperate for a quick dinner that would satisfy my family, I began experimenting with pantry staples.

The first version was good but not great—too salty and lacking depth. Over subsequent attempts, I balanced the sweetness of honey with the umami of soy sauce, added acidity with rice vinegar, and discovered that a touch of sesame oil provides remarkable complexity.

What began as a desperate dinner solution has transformed into our family’s most requested meal, especially on busy weeknights when we need something satisfying without the fuss.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with these delicious beverage options:

• Sparkling water with a splash of citrus
• Unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint
• Pineapple coconut mocktail
• Ginger lemonade for a refreshing contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! I often use frozen shrimp myself. Just make sure to thaw them completely first by placing them in a colander under cool running water for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper browning.

What’s the best type of sausage to use? I typically use smoked kielbasa or andouille for their rich flavor, but any pre-cooked sausage works wonderfully. Italian sausage (removed from casing and crumbled) is also delicious but will need to be fully cooked first.

Can I make this recipe less spicy? Definitely! Simply omit the red pepper flakes for a mild version that’s kid-friendly. You can always serve additional red pepper flakes on the side for adults who prefer more heat.

Is there a substitute for honey? Maple syrup makes a great alternative with a slightly different flavor profile. Agave nectar also works well, though you may need to adjust the amount as it’s sweeter than honey.

How can I make this dish healthier? Try using chicken sausage instead of pork varieties to reduce fat content. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Can I double this recipe? Yes, but I recommend cooking the protein in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would prevent proper browning. For the sauce, simply double all ingredients.

What if my sauce isn’t thickening? Make sure your cornstarch slurry is freshly mixed before adding it to the hot pan. If it’s still not thickening, you can make another small batch of slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and add it to the simmering sauce.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party? I recommend cooking the sausage ahead of time, preparing the sauce, and chopping all garnishes. When guests arrive, quickly cook the shrimp, reincorporate the sausage, add the sauce, and finish the dish. This approach ensures the shrimp maintain their perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Sausage recipe represents what I love most about home cooking—transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The combination of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, tender shrimp, and savory sausage creates a symphony of flavors that belie the dish’s simple preparation.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by adjusting flavors to suit your preferences and experimenting with different proteins or vegetables. Cooking should be a joyful expression of creativity, not a rigid following of rules.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or impressing guests with seemingly effortless culinary skills, this one-pan wonder delivers consistently delicious results. The next time you’re standing in front of your refrigerator wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe—I guarantee it will quickly become a regular in your cooking repertoire, just as it has in mine.