Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus (20-Minute Recipe) Recipe
This quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe brings together succulent shrimp and tender asparagus sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s light, healthy, and packed with vibrant citrus and garlic flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (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 enhance the natural flavors before cooking.
- Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks and cut them into 2-inch pieces for easy cooking and eating.
- Cook the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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 the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, retaining some bite and vibrant color.
- Combine and Finish: 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 meld all the flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle red pepper flakes over if desired for extra heat. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli for a variation.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
- Butter is optional but adds richness; substitute with more olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep it tender and juicy.
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, asparagus recipe, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, stovetop shrimp, 20 minute dinner