Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner experience with this delightful Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus, a vibrant one-pan dish bursting with flavor. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss. The succulent shrimp, sautéed to perfection, mingle beautifully with tender asparagus, all coated in a fragrant garlic and lemon sauce. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds just the right amount of heat, while the fresh lemon zest enhances the dish’s brightness, reminiscent of spring. Serve this dish over your favorite rice or enjoy it as is for a light and refreshing meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 lb (medium to large, peeled and deveined)
black pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (or extra virgin olive oil)
garlic
4 cloves (sliced thinly)
asparagus
3/4 lb (tough ends snapped off and cut into 2-inch lengths (about 2 cups))
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
reduced-sodium chicken broth
2/3 cup
cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels, ensuring they are thoroughly dried. Season lightly with black pepper.
2
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the yellow zest from the lemon and cut it into thin strips, avoiding the bitter white pith.
3
Halve the lemon and juice it into a small dish, discarding any seeds that may fall in.
4
In a deep 12-inch skillet (opt for one that is not non-stick), heat on medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
5
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet, allowing it to heat until shimmering, just a few seconds.
6
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, allowing them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until browned.
7
Turn the shrimp to brown the opposite side for an additional 1 to 1.5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the shrimp to a plate; they should not be fully cooked at this stage.
8
Lower the heat to medium-low, and add the sliced garlic to the skillet. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
9
Incorporate the asparagus, lemon zest strips, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the asparagus starts to tenderize.
10
Pour in the chicken broth and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the asparagus is nearly cooked through.
11
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan to thicken the sauce.
12
Return the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until they are pink and fully cooked.
13
Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, tasting to adjust with additional juice and black pepper if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this dish is shrimp.
How much shrimp do I need for this Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus?
You will need 1 pound of medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
What size should the shrimp be?
The recipe recommends using medium to large shrimp.
Why should I pat the shrimp dry before cooking?
Patting the shrimp dry with paper towels ensures they brown properly instead of steaming in the skillet.
How much asparagus is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of asparagus, which is roughly 2 cups when cut.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The tough ends should be snapped off, and the stalks should be cut into 2-inch lengths.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A deep 12-inch skillet is recommended, preferably one that is not non-stick to help with browning.
How much olive oil is used?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil or extra virgin olive oil is used for the dish.
How do I prepare the lemon zest?
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the yellow zest in thin strips, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced.
How long should I brown the shrimp on the first side?
The shrimp should cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes on the first side.
How long do the shrimp cook on the second side during the initial browning?
The second side takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes to brown.
Should the shrimp be fully cooked during the first browning step?
No, the shrimp should be transferred to a plate while still slightly undercooked and then returned to the pan later.
What kind of heat should I use to sauté the garlic?
The heat should be lowered to medium-low when sautéing the garlic to prevent it from burning.
How long do I cook the garlic?
Stir the garlic gently for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
What ingredient provides the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What liquid is used to make the sauce?
The sauce uses 2/3 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made of 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water.
How long does it take to cook the asparagus?
The asparagus is sautéed for 2-3 minutes and then simmered in broth for another 1-2 minutes until tender.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is stirred in at the very end, after the skillet is removed from the heat.
How much lemon juice should I add?
Start with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and adjust to your preference.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, this dish can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
It can be served over your favorite rice or enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal on its own.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: shrimp, black pepper, lemon, olive oil, garlic, asparagus, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, the recipe specifies either olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
What do I do if I find seeds in my lemon juice?
You should discard any seeds that fall into the dish while juicing the lemon.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and are no longer translucent, usually after another 1-2 minutes back in the skillet.
Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is designed as a vibrant one-pan dish for minimal cleanup.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely to change the heat level.
Does the recipe use salt?
The recipe relies on reduced-sodium chicken broth and black pepper for seasoning, but you can adjust to taste.