Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter
Bright and fresh sautéed shrimp paired with tender asparagus spears, finished with a fragrant garlic lemon butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus spears
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 2: Push asparagus to the side of the skillet and add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and butter is melted.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter?
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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter?
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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Butter?
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.
