Description
This quick and delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe combines tender shrimp and crisp asparagus sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper to ensure they are well flavored before cooking.
- Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces, perfect bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Garlic: 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, creating a flavorful base.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, maintaining a nice texture.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the lemon juice, zest, and butter (if using). Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Butter is optional but adds a richer flavor and silky texture to the dish.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it a complete meal.
- Fresh lemon zest is preferred for vibrant flavor over pre-packaged zest.
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, asparagus recipe, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, sautéed asparagus and shrimp