Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Tender Asparagus in 20 Minutes 🍋🦐✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition, this seafood recipe featuring zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, succulent shrimp, and fresh asparagus is perfect. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a vibrant, healthy meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or need a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simplicity with incredible taste. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor!
2. Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Tender Asparagus
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for a Delicious Quick Dinner
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp and dry thoroughly. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then set aside.
Sauté the Asparagus
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Add Lemon Flavor
Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Allow to cook for another minute, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet and toss everything together.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately in shallow bowls or plates, accompanied by your favorite side or a crusty loaf. For added richness, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil or squeeze more lemon juice on top.
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Leftover seafood can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to maintain moisture. Remember, seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to do your prep and cooking in one go for the best flavor experience.
5. Serving Suggestions for this Seafood Dish
This quick dinner pairs beautifully with a side of refreshing cucumber strawberry salad or crispy roasted potatoes. For a complete meal, serve over a bed of rice or add a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Want to explore more quick seafood recipes? Check out crispy air fryer salmon delights for inspiration.
6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics – Perfect for quickly cooking seafood and vegetables with even heat and ease.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Great for grilling or roasting asparagus to perfection.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange – Useful for prepping ingredients or making simple sauces.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute the shrimp with other seafood?
Yes, you can replace shrimp with scallops, lobster tail, or firm white fish such as cod or halibut for a different but equally delicious seafood experience.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles. Just skip any bread or carb-heavy side dishes.
How long does it take to prepare this seafood dinner?
With all prep work included, the entire process takes approximately 20 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner option for busy weeknights.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can cook and store components separately to reheat quickly when needed. However, the vibrant flavors are most pronounced immediately after cooking.
8. Conclusion
This seafood recipe, featuring zesty lemon, garlic, and tender asparagus, is a surefire way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. Its bright flavors and quick preparation make it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a healthy, delicious quick dinner. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!
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Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Tender Asparagus in 20 Minutes
A flavorful, quick-cooking shrimp and asparagus dish infused with lemon and garlic, ideal for a healthy weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return shrimp to skillet, add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size and asparagus thickness.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg