20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus
A vibrant, protein-packed dinner with plump shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus in a savory-sweet garlic-soy glaze. This asian-inspired quick meals (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp, tablespoons soy sauce, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 12 ounces, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 ounces shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss with 1 teaspoon cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet, then add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon honey; cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Add 12 ounces trimmed asparagus pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is 20-Minute Garlic-Soy Shrimp with Asparagus gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
