Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus
A bright, elegant seafood dish featuring plump shrimp and tender asparagus in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, ideal for spring dinners. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 27 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 380 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
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1 lb asparagus
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemon
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry. Trim asparagus ends and cut into 2-inch pieces. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden (do not brown).
- Step 4: Add asparagus and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender and bright green.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, squeeze juice from 1 lemon over everything, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute until shrimp are heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley and remaining lemon juice. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Mediterranean 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 large shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean Lemon Garlic 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 Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.