Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Flavorful Delight

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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon (for both zest and juice) - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The key ingredients in this dish are simple yet powerful. The shrimp adds a tasty seafood flavor. The asparagus brings a nice crunch and bright color. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma and taste. Together, they create a vibrant plate. The additional flavor ingredients bring zest and richness. A lemon adds tanginess with its juice and zest. Olive oil gives a smooth texture and helps cook the shrimp and asparagus well. If you want a kick, red pepper flakes can spice things up. Seasoning is essential for great taste. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a fresh note that brightens the dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a medium bowl, mix together 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest and juice of 1 lemon. - Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. - Let this marinate for 15 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all that bright lemon flavor. - While the shrimp marinates, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot, add your trimmed asparagus pieces. - Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green. - Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade. - Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. - Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy. - Now, return the sautéed asparagus to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. - Gently toss everything together for another minute. - This allows the flavors to meld nicely. - Now it's time to plate your dish! - Serve the shrimp and asparagus on a large platter or individual plates. - Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. To boost the flavor of your shrimp, marinate them for up to 30 minutes. This lets the garlic and lemon soak in. The longer you let it sit, the better the taste. Use medium-high heat for the best sautéing results. This way, your shrimp and asparagus cook evenly. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them tender and juicy. Serve your dish in a colorful plate. A bright dish not only looks good but also makes the food more appealing. A pop of color from fresh parsley on top adds to the visual delight. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and asparagus to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Marinate Wisely: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the lemon and garlic flavors, but avoid marinating for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. Cooking Temperature: Make sure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the asparagus to achieve a nice sear and maintain its vibrant color. Garnish with Purpose: Use freshly chopped parsley not only as a garnish but also to add a burst of freshness that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out some key ingredients. If you want to change the veggies, try using broccoli or bell peppers instead of asparagus. Both add crunch and color. For protein, consider using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. They cook well and absorb the flavors nicely. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes or chili powder. This adds heat that many love. You can also play with citrus flavors. Try adding lime or orange juice for a twist. This brightens the dish and adds a sweet touch. Make this dish gluten-free by checking all your ingredients. Many items, like olive oil and fresh veggies, are safe. For a healthier version, use low-sodium options. This helps cut down on salt without losing flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp and asparagus fresh. They will last for about 2 days. Make sure to cool them before sealing the container. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change. The shrimp can lose some firmness. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This helps the shrimp and asparagus retain their flavor. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Enjoy every bite as if it was fresh! Look for pink color and opaque texture. When shrimp changes to a bright pink, it's a good sign. The flesh should no longer be translucent. If it curls tightly, it is likely overcooked. Yes, just thaw them properly before cooking. To thaw shrimp, place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, run them under cold water for a few minutes. Ensure they are completely thawed for even cooking. Consider serving with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Rice soaks up the juices well. Pasta adds a comforting touch. A salad can bring in freshness and crunch. Yes, it is low in calories and rich in protein and nutrients. Shrimp is a lean protein source. Asparagus provides fiber and vitamins. This dish helps you eat well without sacrificing flavor. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe. You learned about key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this dish. I shared tips for marinating and cooking to enhance flavor and texture. You can also customize the recipe with ingredient swaps and variations. Remember, this meal is healthy and quick to prepare. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish shines on any table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these easy steps and tips!

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If you crave a dish bursting with flavor and quick to prepare, then you’ve come to the right place! My Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus is a perfect blend of fresh shrimp, tender asparagus, and zesty lemon. In just a few easy steps, you can create a delightful meal that’s healthy and satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and find out how to whip up this tasty dish!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Bright Flavors: This dish combines zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste that perfectly complements the shrimp and asparagus.
  2. Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings without sacrificing flavor.
  3. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and nutrients from the asparagus, this meal is both delicious and nutritious.
  4. Versatile & Customizable: This recipe can easily be adjusted to include your favorite vegetables or spices, making it adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Key Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Additional Flavor Ingredients

– 1 lemon (for both zest and juice)

– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasoning and Garnish

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

The key ingredients in this dish are simple yet powerful. The shrimp adds a tasty seafood flavor. The asparagus brings a nice crunch and bright color. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma and taste. Together, they create a vibrant plate.

The additional flavor ingredients bring zest and richness. A lemon adds tanginess with its juice and zest. Olive oil gives a smooth texture and helps cook the shrimp and asparagus well. If you want a kick, red pepper flakes can spice things up.

Seasoning is essential for great taste. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a fresh note that brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

– In a medium bowl, mix together 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest and juice of 1 lemon.

– Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

– Let this marinate for 15 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all that bright lemon flavor.

Sauté the Asparagus

– While the shrimp marinates, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

– Once the oil is hot, add your trimmed asparagus pieces.

– Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green.

– Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Shrimp

– In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade.

– Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

– Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Combine Ingredients

– Now, return the sautéed asparagus to the skillet with the cooked shrimp.

– Gently toss everything together for another minute.

– This allows the flavors to meld nicely.

Serve

– Now it’s time to plate your dish!

– Serve the shrimp and asparagus on a large platter or individual plates.

– Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Marinating Tips

To boost the flavor of your shrimp, marinate them for up to 30 minutes. This lets the garlic and lemon soak in. The longer you let it sit, the better the taste.

Cooking Techniques

Use medium-high heat for the best sautéing results. This way, your shrimp and asparagus cook evenly. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them tender and juicy.

Presentation Tips

Serve your dish in a colorful plate. A bright dish not only looks good but also makes the food more appealing. A pop of color from fresh parsley on top adds to the visual delight.

Pro Tips

  1. Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and asparagus to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
  2. Marinate Wisely: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the lemon and garlic flavors, but avoid marinating for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
  3. Cooking Temperature: Make sure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the asparagus to achieve a nice sear and maintain its vibrant color.
  4. Garnish with Purpose: Use freshly chopped parsley not only as a garnish but also to add a burst of freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily swap out some key ingredients. If you want to change the veggies, try using broccoli or bell peppers instead of asparagus. Both add crunch and color. For protein, consider using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. They cook well and absorb the flavors nicely.

Flavor Adjustments

To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes or chili powder. This adds heat that many love. You can also play with citrus flavors. Try adding lime or orange juice for a twist. This brightens the dish and adds a sweet touch.

Dietary Modifications

Make this dish gluten-free by checking all your ingredients. Many items, like olive oil and fresh veggies, are safe. For a healthier version, use low-sodium options. This helps cut down on salt without losing flavor.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp and asparagus fresh. They will last for about 2 days. Make sure to cool them before sealing the container.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change. The shrimp can lose some firmness. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This helps the shrimp and asparagus retain their flavor. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Enjoy every bite as if it was fresh!

FAQs

How can I tell if shrimp is cooked?

Look for pink color and opaque texture. When shrimp changes to a bright pink, it’s a good sign. The flesh should no longer be translucent. If it curls tightly, it is likely overcooked.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them properly before cooking. To thaw shrimp, place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, run them under cold water for a few minutes. Ensure they are completely thawed for even cooking.

What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus?

Consider serving with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Rice soaks up the juices well. Pasta adds a comforting touch. A salad can bring in freshness and crunch.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it is low in calories and rich in protein and nutrients. Shrimp is a lean protein source. Asparagus provides fiber and vitamins. This dish helps you eat well without sacrificing flavor.

This blog post covered a simple and tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe. You learned about key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this dish. I shared tips for marinating and cooking to enhance flavor and texture. You can also customize the recipe with ingredient swaps and variations. Remember, this meal is healthy and quick to prepare. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish shines on any table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these easy steps and tip

- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon (for both zest and juice) - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The key ingredients in this dish are simple yet powerful. The shrimp adds a tasty seafood flavor. The asparagus brings a nice crunch and bright color. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma and taste. Together, they create a vibrant plate. The additional flavor ingredients bring zest and richness. A lemon adds tanginess with its juice and zest. Olive oil gives a smooth texture and helps cook the shrimp and asparagus well. If you want a kick, red pepper flakes can spice things up. Seasoning is essential for great taste. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a fresh note that brightens the dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a medium bowl, mix together 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest and juice of 1 lemon. - Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. - Let this marinate for 15 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all that bright lemon flavor. - While the shrimp marinates, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot, add your trimmed asparagus pieces. - Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green. - Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade. - Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. - Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy. - Now, return the sautéed asparagus to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. - Gently toss everything together for another minute. - This allows the flavors to meld nicely. - Now it's time to plate your dish! - Serve the shrimp and asparagus on a large platter or individual plates. - Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. To boost the flavor of your shrimp, marinate them for up to 30 minutes. This lets the garlic and lemon soak in. The longer you let it sit, the better the taste. Use medium-high heat for the best sautéing results. This way, your shrimp and asparagus cook evenly. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them tender and juicy. Serve your dish in a colorful plate. A bright dish not only looks good but also makes the food more appealing. A pop of color from fresh parsley on top adds to the visual delight. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and asparagus to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Marinate Wisely: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the lemon and garlic flavors, but avoid marinating for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy. Cooking Temperature: Make sure your olive oil is hot enough before adding the asparagus to achieve a nice sear and maintain its vibrant color. Garnish with Purpose: Use freshly chopped parsley not only as a garnish but also to add a burst of freshness that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out some key ingredients. If you want to change the veggies, try using broccoli or bell peppers instead of asparagus. Both add crunch and color. For protein, consider using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. They cook well and absorb the flavors nicely. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes or chili powder. This adds heat that many love. You can also play with citrus flavors. Try adding lime or orange juice for a twist. This brightens the dish and adds a sweet touch. Make this dish gluten-free by checking all your ingredients. Many items, like olive oil and fresh veggies, are safe. For a healthier version, use low-sodium options. This helps cut down on salt without losing flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp and asparagus fresh. They will last for about 2 days. Make sure to cool them before sealing the container. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change. The shrimp can lose some firmness. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This helps the shrimp and asparagus retain their flavor. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Enjoy every bite as if it was fresh! Look for pink color and opaque texture. When shrimp changes to a bright pink, it's a good sign. The flesh should no longer be translucent. If it curls tightly, it is likely overcooked. Yes, just thaw them properly before cooking. To thaw shrimp, place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, run them under cold water for a few minutes. Ensure they are completely thawed for even cooking. Consider serving with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Rice soaks up the juices well. Pasta adds a comforting touch. A salad can bring in freshness and crunch. Yes, it is low in calories and rich in protein and nutrients. Shrimp is a lean protein source. Asparagus provides fiber and vitamins. This dish helps you eat well without sacrificing flavor. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe. You learned about key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this dish. I shared tips for marinating and cooking to enhance flavor and texture. You can also customize the recipe with ingredient swaps and variations. Remember, this meal is healthy and quick to prepare. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish shines on any table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these easy steps and tips!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus

A flavorful dish featuring shrimp and asparagus, enhanced with lemon and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 lemon for both zest and juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with a generous pinch of salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Allow the mixture to marinate for about 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
  • While the shrimp is marinating, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but is not smoking.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté them for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and bright green. Once cooked, remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque, ensuring they are cooked through but not overdone.
  • Return the sautéed asparagus to the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Gently toss everything together and heat through for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, black pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
  • Present the shrimp and asparagus mixture on a large serving platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Keyword asparagus, garlic, lemon, quick meal, shrimp

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