Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus is your new go-to weeknight meal, offering a vibrant and healthy dish that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe is incredibly useful for busy individuals and families seeking a delicious, restaurant-quality dinner without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus recipe is a true weeknight warrior! In under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy, featuring tender shrimp and crisp asparagus bathed in a bright, zesty lemon garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, proving that gourmet flavors can be incredibly simple to achieve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by washing your asparagus. Trim off the tough, woody ends. You can do this by holding a spear near the bottom and gently bending it; it will naturally snap where the woody part ends. Cut the remaining tender stalks into 1-2 inch pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to allow some of the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Cook the Asparagus: Add the prepared asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the garlic-infused liquid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp. You want it to be bright green and slightly firm, not mushy.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and butter. Continue to stir until the butter has melted and the sauce has slightly thickened. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus and sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly and allow them to warm through for about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has plenty of shrimp, asparagus, and the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus
You’ll adore this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus for its bright, invigorating flavors and wonderfully tender textures that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched trattoria. The star attraction is, of course, the perfectly cooked shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that is simply irresistible. Making this dish at home is a fantastic cost-saver compared to dining out, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet experience without breaking the bank. Paired with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper for warmth, it’s a complete sensory delight.
Compared to a heavier cream sauce, this version offers a lighter yet equally satisfying profile, making it a healthier choice that doesn’t compromise on deliciousness. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl that’s surprisingly easy to assemble, proving that impressive meals don’t need to be complicated. So why not bring this delightful taste of sunshine into your kitchen tonight? Give this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus a whirl – your family will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
When reheating, the best method to preserve texture and flavor is on the stovetop. Gently warm the dish in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Microwaving is also an option, but be mindful that the shrimp can become tougher if overcooked. If you wish to freeze portions for future meals, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus recipe truly delivers on flavor and ease, making it a standout dish for any occasion. We encourage you to whip up this delightful meal at home and experience its vibrant taste for yourself!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Asparagus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by washing your asparagus. Trim off the tough, woody ends. You can do this by holding a spear near the bottom and gently bending it; it will naturally snap where the woody part ends. Cut the remaining tender stalks into 1-2 inch pieces. Set aside.1 pound large shrimp
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.1 pound large shrimp
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.1 pound large shrimp
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to allow some of the liquid to reduce slightly.1 pound large shrimp
- Add the prepared asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the garlic-infused liquid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp. You want it to be bright green and slightly firm, not mushy.1 pound large shrimp
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and butter. Continue to stir until the butter has melted and the sauce has slightly thickened. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.1 pound large shrimp
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus and sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly and allow them to warm through for about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.1 pound large shrimp
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has plenty of shrimp, asparagus, and the delicious lemon garlic sauce.