![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To create this dish, start with the shrimp and asparagus. Choose large shrimp for that nice bite. Asparagus adds crunch and color. Next, we need butter and garlic. These two ingredients bring a rich, savory flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness, making each bite pop. Consider red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. The parsley will not only add color but also a fresh note. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. - Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Next, trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat. - Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely. Swirl the pan gently to help the butter coat the bottom evenly. - Sauté the Garlic: When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it constantly for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. - Cook the Asparagus: Now, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, until they start to soften but remain bright green and vibrant. - Add the Shrimp: Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet to make space. Place the shrimp on the empty side. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Combine and Finish: Once the shrimp are cooked, gently mix everything together in the skillet. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to coat the shrimp and asparagus for a burst of flavor. - Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat. - Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds freshness before serving. For the full recipe, check out the original. How to avoid overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you see them curling tightly, they are overcooked. The best way to prepare asparagus: Start by trimming the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. Sauté them until they are bright green but still crisp. This keeps their fresh taste and adds crunch. Adding herbs or spices: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. Try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano for more depth. Red pepper flakes give a nice spicy kick if you like heat. Incorporating other vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies. Bell peppers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes work well. They add color and nutrition, making your dish even better. Serving suggestions: Serve your dish on a large, vibrant platter. This showcases the beautiful colors of the shrimp and asparagus. Pour any extra garlic butter sauce on top for added flavor. Garnishing ideas: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon wedges around the dish make it look fresh and inviting. Guests can squeeze lemon juice over the meal for extra zest. For the full experience, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken in this dish. Use boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook it until golden brown, then continue with the same steps. Another great option is tofu, which is perfect for a vegetarian meal. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it until golden. This adds protein while keeping the dish light. If you want to change the veggies, consider broccoli or green beans. Both cook quickly and add a nice crunch. Just chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Spinach or kale also works well. Add them toward the end of cooking. They wilt nicely, adding color and nutrition. For a richer sauce, try adding cream. Just stir in a splash while cooking the shrimp. This makes the dish creamy and comforting. You can also change the citrus flavor. Swap lemon for lime for a zesty twist. This brightens the dish and gives it a fresh taste. For the full recipe, you can check [Full Recipe]. To keep leftovers fresh, store your garlic butter shrimp and asparagus in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. The dish stays fresh in the fridge for about two days. After that, the shrimp may lose its texture, and the asparagus might become soggy. For freezing, first let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Prepping ingredients in advance makes cooking quick and easy. You can peel and devein the shrimp a day before. Trim and cut the asparagus as well. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, just assemble everything. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time. For more details, check the Full Recipe. How long does it take to cook shrimp? Shrimp cook fast! It usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. You know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the shrimp and asparagus ahead. Cook them just before serving for the best flavor. What other sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp and asparagus? This dish goes great with rice or pasta. A fresh salad also makes a nice side. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! Just check your butter and seasoning for any added gluten. How can I make it dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Then, follow the same cooking steps. What if I don’t have asparagus? If you lack asparagus, try using broccoli or green beans instead. They cook well and taste great with the garlic butter sauce. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight. Enjoy! This blog post covered a simple yet delicious dish featuring shrimp and asparagus. We explored key ingredients like shrimp, asparagus, and tasty enhancers such as garlic and lemon. I provided clear steps for preparation, cooking, and finishing touches. Remember, cooking is fun! Don’t hesitate to try your own twists with different proteins or veggies. Enjoy experimenting! Follow the tips I shared to make this dish shine. Happy cooking!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/32dd321f-403f-4d76-b41b-cad975833cad-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp and tender asparagus sautéed in rich garlic butter with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a culinary masterpiece that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to discover how to whip up this simple yet elegant meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!