Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus
Bright, zesty shrimp cooked quickly with fresh asparagus and aromatic garlic in a simple lemon-infused sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, zested and juiced lemon, finely minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 4, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces. Sauté for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1 lemon's juice and zest, and toss for 1 minute until heated through and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp 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 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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
