One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus: A Simple and Delicious Meal
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp & Asparagus dish is light, flavorful, and ready in just minutes! Juicy shrimp and crisp asparagus are sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil and butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: About 1 pound of large shrimp peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- Asparagus: A bunch of fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces. You want the asparagus to be tender but still crisp.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and asparagus. You can substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic minced. Garlic is the key to adding that savory depth of flavor.
- Lemon: Zest and juice of one fresh lemon. This will add a bright and tangy punch to the dish.
- Butter: A tablespoon of unsalted butter for extra richness and flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional).
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Instructions
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Start by preparing all your ingredients. Trim and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, and if you haven't done so already, peel and devein the shrimp. Mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and slice it in half to juice it later. It’s important to have everything prepped and ready to go, as this is a quick-cooking meal.
- Step 2: Cook the Asparagus Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still vibrant in color and a little crisp. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set it aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside with the asparagus.
- Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. Add the butter and let it melt into the pan, then add the zest and juice of the lemon. Stir well to combine and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Asparagus, and Sauce Return the shrimp and asparagus to the pan and toss everything together, making sure the shrimp and asparagus are coated in the lemon-garlic sauce. Let the ingredients heat through for another 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with extra salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 6: Serve and Garnish Once everything is well-coated and heated through, transfer the dish to a serving platter or serve directly from the pan. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. You can also add extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
Shrimp Cooking Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Asparagus: If you prefer a softer texture, cook the asparagus a little longer. However, it’s best when it still retains a bit of crunch.
Customize the Heat: If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.