Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp sautéed in a bright garlic lemon butter sauce served with tender-crisp asparagus for a quick and elegant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and bubbling.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove asparagus to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Sauté shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, tossing shrimp to coat and cook for an additional 30 seconds to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Return asparagus to the skillet and toss gently with shrimp and sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and 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.

Is Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter and Asparagus low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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