Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Shrimp with Asparagus
A quick, elegant dinner featuring plump shrimp and crisp asparagus bathed in a bright lemon-herb butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes with zero carb guilt. This mediterranean-inspired keto ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 large shrimp
- 10 oz, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 2 tbsp, unsalted butter
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add asparagus pieces and toss to coat in butter, cooking for 5 minutes until crisp-tender with slight char on edges.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss gently for 1 minute until shrimp are heated through and coated in sauce, ensuring the sauce thickens slightly and coats the asparagus.
- Step 5: Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking the shrimp; the residual heat will finish cooking them.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Shrimp with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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-Herb Pan-Seared 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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared 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-Herb Pan-Seared Shrimp with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Herb Pan-Seared Shrimp with Asparagus?
Mediterranean keto 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
