Indulge in a fresh, flavorful, and light meal with this vibrant Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it combines the zesty punch of lemon with the savory richness of garlic, complemented by tender shrimp and crisp asparagus. The best part? It comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying choice. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon, while the asparagus adds a nice crunch and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the seafood. The entire dish is drizzled with a tangy lemon dressing, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients and bringing everything together into one harmonious plate.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus will impress with its bold flavors and ease of preparation. It’s also versatile—serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. This dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
To create this vibrant and flavorful dish, you’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that work together beautifully:
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Shrimp – Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If possible, use fresh shrimp, but frozen will work as well—just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
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Asparagus – Fresh asparagus spears are essential for adding a crisp, tender bite to the dish. Trim the woody ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings the perfect amount of aromatic richness to the dish. It infuses the shrimp and asparagus with a savory depth of flavor.
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Lemon – Both lemon zest and lemon juice are used to add bright, tangy flavor. The zest gives a burst of citrus fragrance, while the juice creates a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the shrimp.
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Olive Oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil works best to sauté the garlic and cook the shrimp and asparagus. It adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
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Butter – A small amount of butter enhances the dish with a creamy finish, adding depth to the sauce.
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Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a light, herbaceous flavor to complete the dish.
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Salt and Pepper – Season to taste for balance and depth.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus dish:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then cut it in half to juice.
Step 2:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add the shrimp to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 5:
Once the shrimp are cooked, return the asparagus to the skillet. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring everything together to coat the shrimp and asparagus in the flavorful garlic-lemon sauce.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the dish warm, perhaps with a side of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
How Long to Cook Shrimp and Asparagus
Cooking shrimp and asparagus to perfection requires just a few minutes of attention. The key is to not overcook them, as shrimp cook very quickly, and asparagus should remain crisp while becoming tender.
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Shrimp – Shrimp cook fast, usually in 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
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Asparagus – Asparagus should be tender yet crisp. It takes about 3-4 minutes to sauté it until it’s tender but still maintains some bite. If you prefer it softer, you can cook it for an additional minute or two, but avoid cooking it until it becomes mushy.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish stores well and can be enjoyed the next day. Here’s how to store it:
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Refrigerator – Place any leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
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Freezer – Freezing this dish is not ideal, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated from frozen. However, if you need to freeze leftovers, store the shrimp and asparagus separately from the sauce, as the texture of both may change. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp will always have a better texture and flavor than frozen shrimp, though frozen can work as well if thawed properly.
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking. They only need a couple of minutes per side, and they cook quickly!
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Adjust the Lemon Flavor – Depending on your preference, you can adjust the lemon’s tanginess. Add more zest if you love that citrusy punch or reduce the lemon juice for a milder flavor.
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Cook Asparagus Just Right – If you like your asparagus extra tender, you can sauté it for a bit longer, but avoid overcooking it to preserve its texture and color.
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Make It a Complete Meal – This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal. Adding a side of roasted potatoes or a light salad will complete the meal nicely.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your table. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon, while the asparagus adds a crisp and tender texture. This dish is perfect for a light dinner, and it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lemon (zested and juiced)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
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Return the asparagus to the skillet and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine, allowing the shrimp and asparagus to soak up the lemon-garlic sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
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For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
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You can serve this dish over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
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Can I make this recipe with other vegetables? Absolutely! While asparagus adds a nice crisp texture and flavor, you can easily swap it with other vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose, so it doesn’t become overcooked.
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How can I make this recipe spicier? If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some over the shrimp as they cook. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the lemon-garlic sauce to give it an extra kick.
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Can I prepare the shrimp and asparagus ahead of time? While it’s best to cook the shrimp and asparagus fresh, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time by trimming and chopping the asparagus. You can also peel and devein the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then cook them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.