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- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Red pepper flakes add a nice heat. - Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can enhance flavor. - Large skillet for cooking. - Cutting board for prep. - Sharp knife for chopping. - Measuring spoons for accuracy. - Serving plate for presentation. When I gather these ingredients, I feel excited to create a simple delight. Each item plays an important role in making this dish tasty and fresh. The shrimp provide a lovely protein, while asparagus adds crunch and color. The garlic gives a warm flavor, and lemon brightens everything up. Trust me, this mix will make your meal shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. 2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. 3. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Set it aside. 4. Mince the garlic using a knife or garlic press. 5. Zest and juice the lemon, keeping both ready. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely; you don’t want it to burn. 3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet. 4. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. 5. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. 6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. 7. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. 8. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until bright green and tender. 1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. 2. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring everything together. 3. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend. 4. Transfer the mixture to a serving plate. 5. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. When picking shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Their shells should be firm and shiny. Check for a slight translucence in the meat. The color can vary, but avoid any that appear dull or have dark spots. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught for the best flavor. To boost the flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The zest gives a bright kick. You can also add herbs like fresh parsley or basil. For a spicy touch, red pepper flakes work great. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Mix and match these flavors to find what you love most. Asparagus cooks quickly, so watch it closely. When you sauté it, aim for 5-7 minutes. You want it tender but still bright green. If you overcook it, it can turn mushy. Try using a fork to check for tenderness. It should be easy to pierce but still crisp. Cooking it just right keeps all the flavors fresh and vibrant. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Asparagus Cooking Time: To maintain the bright green color and tender-crisp texture of asparagus, avoid overcooking. It should be bright and vibrant when ready. Garlic Sautéing: Watch the garlic closely while sautéing, as it can burn quickly. Remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant to prevent bitterness. Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to zest the lemon for finer zest. This enhances the flavor and aroma in the dish significantly. {{image_2}} You can switch out the asparagus for other veggies. Try broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Each vegetable adds its own taste and texture. Broccoli gives a nice crunch, while bell peppers add sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. Cook them until tender but still bright. You can add different herbs to change the flavor. Fresh basil, thyme, or dill work well. Each herb brings a unique taste. If you want a little kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand! This dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it over rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is great for soaking up the sauce. Choose sides based on what you enjoy! To reheat your Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus, use a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Toss in the leftover dish. Heat until warm, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to freeze this dish, do it right after cooking. Let it cool completely first. Pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. In the fridge, Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus lasts about 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods. Check for any changes in smell or color before eating. If it looks or smells off, toss it. Always trust your senses for food safety. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This way, they cook evenly and taste great in your dish. If you don't have asparagus, try green beans or broccoli. These veggies add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use zucchini, but cook it for a shorter time. To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Just remember, start with a little. You can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in! This blog post covers all you need to know about cooking shrimp and asparagus. We looked at key ingredients, listed necessary equipment, and provided step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for selecting fresh shrimp and enhancing flavors. You can even try fun variations with different veggies and herbs. Finally, I outlined how to store leftovers properly. With these insights, you can make a tasty dish that suits your taste. Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Delight: Shrimp & Asparagus

A delicious and healthy dish featuring shrimp and asparagus sautéed in garlic and lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and set aside.
  • Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Cook the shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • Cook the asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still bright green.
  • Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring everything together until combined and heated through. Cook for an additional minute.
  • Serve: Transfer the mixture to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword asparagus, garlic, healthy, lemon, shrimp