Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus (20-Minute Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines tender shrimp and crisp asparagus with bright lemon and savory garlic for a fresh and satisfying 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 them dry with paper towels. Season evenly 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 but not browned.
4. Step 4: Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet 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 it is tender-crisp.
6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter if using. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in lemon juice and garlic before cooking.
• Swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli if preferred.
• Add a splash of white wine when cooking asparagus for a subtle depth.
• Use frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable; just thaw completely and pat dry.
• Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish or increase for more heat.

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 until warmed through. To prevent the shrimp from overcooking, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn a bright pink color and their flesh becomes opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus (20-Minute Recipe) Recipe

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A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed with fresh garlic, bright lemon zest and juice, and crisp asparagus for a delicious and vibrant meal ready in just 20 minutes.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Vegetables

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

Seasonings and Aromatics

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

Oils and Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Trim the Asparagus: Remove the tough, woody ends of the asparagus by snapping them off. Cut the stalks into 2-inch bite-sized 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 and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, being careful not to burn it.
4. Sauté the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and 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 turn tender-crisp but still retain a slight crunch.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter if using. Toss everything together gently and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
7. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired for a spicy kick. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• For a lower fat option, omit the butter and use only olive oil.
• You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
• Ensure shrimp is cooked through but not overcooked to keep it tender.
• Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
• This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the lemon garlic sauce.

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, asparagus shrimp recipe, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp asparagus, sautéed shrimp, 20-minute dinner