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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus

easy one-pan lemon garlic shrimp - featured image

A quick and fuss-free one-pan dinner featuring tender shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus in a bright lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Zest and juice the lemon, keeping them separate.
  2. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to foam slightly.
  3. Add asparagus pieces in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring for 2 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to avoid burning. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook untouched for 2 minutes to get a nice sear, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Return asparagus to the skillet. Pour the lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the shrimp and asparagus. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute so flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with crusty bread or your favorite grain.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan with shrimp to ensure a good sear; cook in batches if doubling the recipe. Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to avoid steaming. Add garlic after asparagus is mostly cooked to prevent burning. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, one-pan dinner, asparagus, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, healthy seafood