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