Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce
Tender shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus bathed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon. This seafood-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends peeled and deveined shrimp, trimmed asparagus, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4, juiced lemon
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Add asparagus and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 2: Push asparagus to one side of the skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika. Cook 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 lemon juice, then remove from heat. Let rest 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (12 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce?
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 Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce 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.
Is Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic-Butter Sauce 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 8-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
