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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The shrimp adds protein and a lovely sea flavor. The asparagus brings a fresh crunch. Garlic gives a rich aroma. Olive oil and butter offer a creamy base. Lemon zest and juice add bright, zesty notes. Red pepper flakes give a touch of heat. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. Fresh parsley tops the dish with a pop of color. - Lemon wedges for serving - Extra red pepper flakes for spice lovers - Other herbs like thyme or dill Lemon wedges give extra brightness. More red pepper flakes allow for customization. Thyme or dill can change the flavor profile. These options work well for various tastes. Each serving contains about 300 calories. - Protein: 25g - Carbs: 10g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 3g This dish provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats. It’s low in carbs, making it a great choice for many diets. - To clean shrimp, rinse them under cold water. - Remove the shell and the dark vein on the back. - Pat them dry with a paper towel. - For asparagus, snap off the tough ends. - Cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. - Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet. - Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it smells good. - Next, toss in the asparagus with salt and pepper. - Cook for about 3-4 minutes. They should be tender yet crisp. - Push the asparagus to one side. Add shrimp, lemon zest, and juice. - Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat. - Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be pink and opaque. - Stir everything together until mixed well. - Taste the dish to see if it needs more salt or pepper. - Remove from heat and add chopped parsley for color. - Serve in a shallow bowl and top with extra lemon zest. - Add lemon wedges for an extra zing. To cook shrimp just right, heat your pan well. Use medium heat with olive oil and butter. Add shrimp when the pan is hot. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color, which means they are done. Don’t overcook them; they can get tough if you do. For asparagus, keep it crunchy. Sauté it for just 3-4 minutes. You want it tender but still crisp. Keep an eye on the color. Bright green means it’s perfect! You can add more flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding paprika or thyme for a twist. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also work well. Just remember to use them lightly. You don’t want to mask the lemon’s bright taste. To balance lemon flavors, use the zest wisely. The zest adds a fresh kick. The juice adds tartness. Start with just half the juice, and taste before adding more. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! For cooking, use a large skillet. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking and burning. A spatula is great for turning shrimp and mixing. If you want to simplify, prepare a cutting board for your garlic and asparagus. A good knife helps with quick chopping. If you have a zester, use it to get lemon zest easily. This makes the prep fun and quick! {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs or breasts work well. For a vegetarian option, try firm tofu, cut into cubes. You can also add seasonal veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes. These add color and freshness to your dish. To make it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. For a milder dish, skip the flakes or use a pinch. You can also switch the lemon for lime or orange. These citrus options bring a new twist to the flavor. For grilling, toss the shrimp and asparagus in a bowl with the oil, garlic, and seasoning. Skewer them and grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes a side. If you prefer baking, spread everything on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. For a one-pan meal, use the same skillet. After cooking the asparagus, add shrimp and cook them together for easy cleanup. To store leftovers, place the Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents odors. You should refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to three days. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below to ensure safety. To freeze, let the dish cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can plan meals by prepping the shrimp and asparagus ahead of time. Clean and cut the asparagus, and store it in the fridge. You can also marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for a few hours. This adds flavor and saves time on busy nights. Consider pairing this dish with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. How long can cooked shrimp be stored? You can store cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Frozen shrimp can last for about six months. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes to defrost them quickly. Pat them dry before you start cooking. What’s the best way to know if shrimp is cooked? Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should form a C shape. If it curls into an O, it is overcooked. To be safe, use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 120°F. How can I make this dish dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, simply replace the unsalted butter with more olive oil. You can also use vegan butter as a substitute. The dish will still be rich and tasty without dairy. What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus? This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the lemony sauce. Can I serve this over rice or pasta? Yes, serving this dish over rice or pasta is a great idea. Both options absorb the flavors well and make the meal heartier. Just be sure to adjust the sauce amount if needed. Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus is a simple dish full of flavor. We discussed key ingredients and how they work together. I shared tips for perfect cooking and adjustments for taste. You can try variations with different proteins or vegetables, ensuring it fits your needs. Storing leftovers correctly helps keep meals fresh. Answering common questions gives you confidence in cooking. Use this guide to impress with a dish that is easy and delicious. Explore and enjoy every bite!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Delight, a quick and delicious dish perfect for any night! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that's bursting with freshness and zest. This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with tender asparagus, all seasoned with aromatic garlic and lemon. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner tonight—click to explore and start cooking!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

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

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Toss in the asparagus pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to get tender but remain crisp.

        Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet, then add the shrimp along with red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

          Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Stir everything together until well combined.

            Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in a large shallow bowl with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest on top, and pair with lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick!