Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir fry of succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce for a fresh seafood meal. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs large shrimp, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then toss in 1 bunch trimmed asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through and the sauce coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Asparagus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Asparagus?

Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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