Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and crisp asparagus are sautéed in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice, zest, and basil. It’s a simple yet elegant meal bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter and Seasoning
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
Garlic and Herbs
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Liquids
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces
- 1 pound fresh or frozen uncooked shrimp, patted dry
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Start Sauté: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter completely until it just starts to brown, which adds a nutty flavor to the base of your sauce.
- Add Spice and Garlic: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine and Add Lemon: Pour in the dry white wine and stir, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Then add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add Asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus pieces to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes to slightly tenderize but retain their crunch.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan and continue to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Finish with Basil and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the freshly chopped basil. Remove from heat and taste, adjusting the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Serve: Serve the lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus warm as a light main dish or alongside rice or crusty bread for a full meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor. Pat dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth or vegetable broth if desired.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure the wine used is gluten-free.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.
