Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sesame-Glazed Chicken Sausage recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and umami notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender shrimp and perfectly browned chicken sausage are coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, elevated with a hint of sesame and a bright squeeze of lime. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make โ perfect for busy cooks who crave restaurant-quality results at home. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a new staple in your rotation. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need
- 500โฏg (1โฏlb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: We recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and visual appeal. Ensure they are thoroughly peeled and deveined for a clean and enjoyable eating experience. Patting them dry before cooking helps them brown beautifully.
- 300โฏg (10.5โฏoz) chicken sausage, sliced into ยฝโinch rounds: Choose a high-quality chicken sausage with a flavor profile you enjoy โ Italian, sweet, or even spicy all work well. Slicing into consistent rounds ensures even cooking.
- 3โฏTbsp (45โฏml) honey: Use a good quality honey, such as clover or wildflower, for a rich and floral sweetness. The honey not only adds flavor but also helps create a beautiful glaze.
- 3โฏTbsp (45โฏml) low-sodium soy sauce (halal-certified if needed): Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to choose a halal-certified soy sauce.
- 2โฏTbsp (30โฏml) fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for its bright acidity, which balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- 1โฏtsp (5โฏg) fresh ginger, grated: Grated fresh ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note that complements the garlic and honey beautifully.
- 1โฏTbsp (15โฏml) toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil imparts a nutty and fragrant aroma that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way!
- 1โฏtsp (5โฏg) cornstarch mixed with 2โฏtsp (10โฏml) water: This cornstarch slurry acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy and appealing glaze.
- 2โฏTbsp (30โฏml) neutral oil (e.g., canola): A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, is ideal for sautรฉing the shrimp and sausage without imparting any unwanted flavors.
- 2โฏgreen onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated): Green onions add a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. Separating the white and green parts allows for different uses โ the whites are sautรฉed for flavor, while the greens are used as a garnish.
- 1โฏtsp (5โฏg) toasted sesame seeds for garnish: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, adding a finishing touch to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Shrimp: Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces can be used as a substitute for shrimp.
- Chicken Sausage: Italian sausage (pork or chicken) or even sliced kielbasa can be used instead of chicken sausage.
- Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
- Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but lime juice provides a more authentic flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Shrimp with SesameโGlazed Chicken Sausage
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk until thoroughly combined and set aside. This sauce is the heart of the dish, providing a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- Sautรฉ the Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage rounds in a single layer. Sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides. This step renders some of the sausage fat, adding flavor to the pan and creating a nice texture. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp will make them rubbery, so watch closely! Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Simmer the Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the prepared honey-garlic-lime mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where a lot of flavor resides!).
- Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a beautiful glaze that coats the shrimp and sausage.
- Combine and Coat: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the thickened glaze. Toss gently to coat the proteins evenly. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the glaze to cling to the shrimp and sausage and ensuring everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sesame-Glazed Chicken Sausage between warm plates or shallow bowls. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, the white parts of the thinly sliced green onions, and a few green onion green ribbons for a pop of color. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Glaze
The key to a truly exceptional Honey Garlic Shrimp with SesameโGlazed Chicken Sausage lies in the glaze. Don’t rush the simmering process โ allowing the sauce to reduce slightly concentrates the flavors. If the glaze becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When selecting shrimp for this recipe, consider size. Medium to large shrimp (around 26-30 count per pound) work best, as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a satisfying bite. Fresh shrimp is always preferable, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed completely and patted dry before cooking. Ensure the shrimp is deveined to remove any impurities and improve the texture.

Why This Combination Works: Flavor Synergy
The pairing of shrimp and chicken sausage might seem unusual, but it’s a brilliant combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the honey and the tang of the lime juice complement the savory notes of the soy sauce and garlic. The chicken sausage adds a hearty, slightly smoky element that balances the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. The sesame oil and seeds contribute a nutty aroma and a delightful crunch, completing the sensory experience.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! You can substitute the chicken sausage with pork sausage or even leave it out entirely for a purely shrimp dish. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu instead of sausage. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. A dash of sriracha can add a pleasant heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this ahead of time? While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine everything when ready to serve.
- What side dishes pair well with this? Steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles are excellent choices for soaking up the delicious glaze. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad also complements the dish nicely.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a good option) to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
This Honey Garlic Shrimp with SesameโGlazed Chicken Sausage is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal thatโs sure to become a weeknight favorite. Donโt forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
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recipes honey garlic shrimp sausage
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp with Sesame-Glazed Chicken Sausage is a quick and easy recipe featuring a sweet, savory, and umami-rich sauce coating tender shrimp and browned chicken sausage. It’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 300g (10.5 oz) chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) honey
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) ginger, grated
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- 1 tsp (5g) cornstarch with 2 tsp (10 ml) water
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp (5g) sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Sautรฉ Sausage: Brown sausage slices in oil until golden.
- Cook Shrimp: Sautรฉ shrimp until pink and opaque.
- Simmer Sauce: Simmer sauce, scraping up browned bits.
- Thicken Glaze: Add cornstarch slurry to sauce and cook until thickened.
- Combine & Coat: Toss shrimp and sausage in glaze.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Use medium to large shrimp for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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