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Quick Garlic Shrimp & Tender Asparagus

quick garlic shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring garlic-infused shrimp and tender-crisp asparagus, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Mince garlic cloves finely.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add asparagus pieces to the pan, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp with slight browning.
  4. Push asparagus to the side and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the oil. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Mix asparagus and shrimp together, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Add garlic after asparagus starts cooking to avoid burning. Use lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, garlic shrimp, asparagus recipe, easy weeknight meal, healthy shrimp recipe, low carb dinner, gluten free, seafood