Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Crisp Asparagus
Plump shrimp sautéed in garlic and lemon butter, served over perfectly crisp-tender asparagus for a light yet satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add asparagus, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender with slight char marks, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon zest, juice, and parsley, and toss for 1 minute until shrimp are heated through and coated in bright lemon sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Crisp Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Shrimp with Crisp 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Shrimp with Crisp 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 Shrimp with Crisp 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 Shrimp with Crisp 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
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this lemon-herb are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
