Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Bright lemon and fragrant garlic complement tender shrimp and crisp asparagus for a delightful, healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the lemon juice, zest, and butter if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when cooking the asparagus and shrimp.
• Swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli if preferred.
• If you like a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic to 2 cloves.
• Butter is optional but adds a nice creaminess; feel free to omit for a lighter dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooking can make them tough, so 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe that combines succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic and tender asparagus. Enhanced with bright lemon juice and zest, this dish makes a perfect healthy dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Asparagus

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)

Seasonings and Cooking

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks and then cut the remaining stalks into 2-inch pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
3. Cook the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma is fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Sauté the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
5. Cook the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining some bite and bright color.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional butter. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to melt smoothly.
7. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired for a touch of heat. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can omit butter for a dairy-free version, using only olive oil.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
• Serve with cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread to make a complete meal.
• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp works fine if thawed properly.
• Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Asparagus stalk thickness may affect cooking time; thicker stalks might require a minute or two longer.

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, asparagus recipe, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp skillet, easy seafood dinner