Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that transforms your kitchen into a culinary paradise in less than 30 minutes! This Shrimp and Asparagus Sauté is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste, this dish combines succulent shrimp, tender-crisp asparagus, and a zesty garlic-lemon finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 bunch of asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help ensure they sear nicely in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly. Trim off the tough ends and cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Next, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the asparagus is cooked to your liking, push it to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Flip the shrimp to cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring the asparagus occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Once the shrimp are fully cooked and the asparagus is tender, drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the mixture. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the shrimp and asparagus sauté warm, either on its own or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use medium-high heat to quickly cook shrimp without making them rubbery.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - this ensures proper caramelization and prevents soggy results.
- Fresh, in-season asparagus makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Watch your garlic carefully; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the entire dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture - this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
