Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and Asparagus
Tender shrimp and crisp asparagus simmered in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, Asparagus, Olive oil 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 Shrimp
- 1 lb Asparagus
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and 1 lb trimmed and cut asparagus, then cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in zest and juice from 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients. Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon 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 Lemon and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon and 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.