The bright flavor of lemon and the richness of garlic butter come together in this vibrant shrimp and asparagus dish. It’s a wonderful celebration of simple ingredients, elevated through thoughtful seasoning and quick, high-heat cooking to maintain freshness and texture.
Perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant weekend meal, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether served on its own, over a bed of rice, or paired with pasta or crusty bread, it delivers satisfying flavor in every bite. The jumbo shrimp remain juicy and succulent, while the asparagus adds a crisp, earthy contrast.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
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Add the asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
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Return asparagus to the skillet and toss to combine.
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Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and asparagus mixture.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus
Shrimp and asparagus is one of those timeless culinary pairings that never goes out of style. With their complementary textures and flavors, they make a wholesome, light, and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus recipe is your go-to dish when you’re short on time but still want something impressive and delicious. The buttery, garlicky shrimp are rich and flavorful, while the fresh, roasted asparagus adds a crunchy, earthy contrast that brightens every bite.
This dish is not just incredibly tasty, it’s also wonderfully easy to prepare. It takes just around 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, impromptu gatherings, or romantic date nights at home. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and rich in protein and essential vitamins, which makes it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Why Garlic Butter and Shrimp Are a Perfect Pair
Garlic butter is a classic, luxurious flavor enhancer that complements shrimp beautifully. The slight sweetness of the shrimp gets an instant upgrade when it’s seared in butter infused with garlic. The result is tender, juicy seafood that’s infused with deep, savory notes. The natural juices from the shrimp mix with the melted butter and garlic in the pan, creating a built-in sauce that coats everything in rich, flavorful goodness.
Add to that the brightness of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a well-balanced flavor profile; rich, zesty, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
The Role of Asparagus in This Dish
Asparagus adds a much-needed contrast to the buttery richness of the shrimp. When roasted or pan-seared just right, asparagus maintains a bit of bite while releasing its naturally nutty, slightly sweet undertones. It brings fiber, folate, and an impressive lineup of antioxidants to the table, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
Asparagus is also a seasonal favorite in spring, though it’s available year-round. If you’re cooking seasonally, it’s the perfect vegetable to spotlight. Its vibrant green color and snappy texture also make the plate look fresh and vibrant, which is especially important if you’re planning on sharing your meal on social media or serving it to guests.
High-Quality Ingredients Make a Difference
One of the beauties of this recipe is how much it relies on the freshness and quality of its ingredients. With so few components, each one really shines. Here’s why ingredient choice matters:
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Jumbo Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught if possible, and make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Larger shrimp hold up better during cooking and retain more moisture and flavor.
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Asparagus: Choose firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. The thicker spears are great for roasting, while thinner ones cook quickly and can be added directly to the pan with the shrimp.
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Garlic: Use fresh cloves instead of pre-minced for maximum flavor.
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Butter: Go for unsalted, high-quality butter, European-style butters often have a richer, creamier flavor.
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Olive Oil: Adds complexity and helps the asparagus roast beautifully.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
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Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch goes a long way to add depth and a hint of heat.
Cooking Method Breakdown
While you’ll find step-by-step directions in the recipe section, it’s helpful to understand the principles behind the process. This is what ensures the dish turns out perfectly every time.
You begin by sautéing the asparagus in olive oil until it’s just tender. Removing it from the pan before adding the shrimp ensures it doesn’t overcook. Shrimp cook quickly, and they need just 2-3 minutes per side to become opaque and slightly curled. Once they’re done, everything comes together in the same skillet. A quick toss to mix the shrimp, garlic butter, lemon juice, and asparagus creates a symphony of flavors without extra dishes or steps.
It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a chef-level creation but is actually beginner-friendly.
Pairing Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus is versatile enough to stand on its own or to be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
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With Pasta: Toss with angel hair or linguine for a luxurious, buttery seafood pasta.
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Over Rice or Quinoa: A great gluten-free and filling option that absorbs all the buttery juices.
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Alongside Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up any extra garlic butter.
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With a Side Salad: A light arugula or spinach salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the main dish.
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As a Tapas Dish: Serve smaller portions with other small plates like olives, cheeses, or grilled veggies for a Mediterranean-style spread.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
This dish doesn’t just taste good, it’s also packed with nutrients:
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Shrimp are low in calories and fat, but rich in protein, selenium, and vitamin B12. They’re also an excellent source of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Asparagus provides dietary fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Garlic supports immune function and adds powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.
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Olive Oil and butter, when used in moderation, provide essential fats and help with nutrient absorption.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this dish fits in perfectly. For those who are gluten-free, it’s naturally safe and easy to customize with other sides.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can definitely prepare parts of it ahead of time:
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Pre-clean the shrimp and trim the asparagus to save time.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
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Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated unevenly.
You can also double the recipe if you’re meal-prepping for a few days. Just be sure to store the asparagus and shrimp separately if possible to maintain the best texture.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus is a celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavors. It’s the kind of dish that delivers elegance without effort, a quick meal that feels like a treat. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or impressing a guest, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutrition, ease, and mouthwatering flavor.
What makes it truly special is its versatility: serve it on its own for a low-carb dinner, toss it with pasta for something more indulgent, or pair it with a fresh salad and wine for a complete gourmet experience. With vibrant color, robust aroma, and an unforgettable taste, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.