Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp cooked with tender asparagus in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce, enhanced by a hint of crushed red pepper and fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of zest, spice, and savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Seasoning
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use less if you don't like spice)
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped into 1" pieces
- 1 pound fresh or frozen uncooked shrimp, patted dry
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the butter: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter completely and let it just start to brown, which will add a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Saute the spices and garlic: Add the crushed red pepper flakes and finely minced garlic to the browned butter. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add lemon and seasonings: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Cook the asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus pieces to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for about 2 minutes so the asparagus remains tender-crisp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan with the asparagus. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Stir in the fresh chopped basil just before finishing.
- Final seasoning and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Taste the dish and adjust seasonings by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve the shrimp and asparagus warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the asparagus with green beans or broccoli for variation.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes gradually to your taste.
- If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that the butter and other ingredients have no cross-contamination.
