Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Delight 🦐🍋🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick seafood dish that bursts with bright flavors and nutritious ingredients, our Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Delight is the perfect choice. This recipe combines juicy shrimp with tender asparagus, all coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful vegetarian-friendly meal you can prepare in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will impress! Explore more seafood recipes for inspiration.
2. Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Prepare the ingredients
Start by washing and trimming the asparagus. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then set aside.
Make the lemon garlic marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Sauté the shrimp and asparagus
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed and sauté the asparagus for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Combine and serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Pour the lemon garlic marinade over everything and toss gently to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp recipes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power to maintain the texture and flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This asparagus recipes pairs beautifully with a serving of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider a light side salad or steamed grains like quinoa.
Looking for more healthy options? Check out this refreshing cucumber strawberry salad to add fresh vibrancy to your plate.
6. FAQs About Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Thaw the shrimp completely, pat dry, and follow the recipe as directed. Frozen shrimp work perfectly for quick recipes like this.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you avoid adding butter or creamy ingredients. The lemon garlic sauce makes it flavorful without dairy.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire preparation and cooking process takes approximately 20-25 minutes, making it an excellent quick seafood dish for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quick and healthy shrimp dishes with minimal cleanup, ensuring even cooking every time.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Provides durable, non-stick cookware that helps sauté the shrimp and asparagus effortlessly.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — An all-in-one appliance that can enhance your cooking experience with versatile options.
8. Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
- Use fresh lemon juice for maximum brightness in flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and turn rubbery if overdone.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or chili flakes just before serving.
9. Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Delight is a perfect example of a quick seafood dish that is both healthy and flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that impresses every time. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for easy sheet-pan meals, this dish will become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in just minutes!
Print
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Delight
A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce alongside tender asparagus spears, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice and zest, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Sautéing, Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg