Garlic Butter Shrimp With Asparagus Recipe

I love how my Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp brings together the best of fresh ingredients. With tender shrimp and crisp asparagus mingled with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, every bite is a celebration of clean flavors and simple pleasures. A squeeze of lemon completes the delightful mix.

I’ve recently been experimenting in the kitchen and I came across this striking garlic butter shrimp with asparagus recipe that totally blew my mind. I started with one lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, and combined them with fresh asparagus cut into perfect little pieces that soak up all the flavors.

I used a mix of olive oil and unsalted butter to sauté garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and then finished it off with a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is a dish that balances a light, vibrant taste with a hint of heat and just the right garlicky kick.

I love how this recipe reminds me of those healthy fried shrimp ideas and one pot dinners, making it perfect when I need a quick, mouth-watering shrimp dinner aesthetic. Trust me, this dish is a game changer for anyone who loves seafood and asparagus.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s really fast and easy to make when I need a yummy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. I also dig how the garlic and lemon work together to bring out the flavor of the shrimp and asparagus—it’s just so tasty. I like that there’s a bit of a kick with the red pepper flakes and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to my taste. Plus, seeing the shrimp turn pink and the asparagus get tender makes me feel like I’ve really nailed a great meal every time I cook it.

Ingredients

• Shrimp is lean protein that makes the dish hearty and flavorful
• Asparagus is a healthy veggie loaded with fiber and vitamins, it tastes crisp
• Unsalted butter adds rich creaminess but be careful with portion sizes
• Olive oil is heart friendly and provides a smooth fruity taste
• Garlic packs flavor and antioxidants though it can be a bit strong
• Lemon juice adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness perfectly

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter starts to melt

2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds till you can smell the garlic

3. Toss in the asparagus pieces, season with salt and freshly ground pepper, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften

4. Once the asparagus is a bit tender, add the shrimp to the skillet

5. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque

6. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and asparagus, stirring to mix everything well

7. Check for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed

8. Let the mixture cook for another minute or so, just to let the flavors blend together

9. Remove the skillet from the heat once the shrimp are fully cooked

10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like, then serve warm and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet – Used for searing the shrimp and cooking the asparagus evenly
2. Knife – Needed for trimming the asparagus and mincing the garlic
3. Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for prepping vegetables and shrimp
4. Measuring spoons – Ensures accurate measurement of butter, olive oil, and red pepper flakes
5. Citrus juicer – Helps to effectively extract the lemon juice
6. Spatula – Ideal for stirring and flipping the shrimp during cooking
7. Serving plate – For presenting the finished dish to eat

FAQ

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Asparagus Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter or even try out some ghee for a richer flavor.
• Not got olive oil? Avocado oil or even canola oil works pretty well to cook things without messing up the taste.
• If red pepper flakes are hard to come by, try a pinch of cayenne pepper instead but use less since its a bit stronger.
• No lemon on hand? Lime juice is a decent substitute that can give a similar tangy kick.
• If you dont have fresh parsley, chopped basil or cilantro can be used to add a fresh herbal note to the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Be real careful that you dont overcook the shrimp cause they cook really fast and turn rubbery if you keep them in the heat too long
2. Make sure your pan is really hot before you toss in the garlic so you get that nice sizzling sound and good flavor from the butter and olive oil
3. When cooking the asparagus, watch it closely so that it stays crisp instead of mushy, its all about the timing
4. Add the lemon juice and parsley at the very end so the fresh flavors pop and dont get lost in the heat during cooking