One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a delightful and effortless dish that showcases the elegant simplicity of high-quality ingredients. This recipe is a celebration of the senses, featuring a harmonious blend of bright, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and tender, juicy shrimp nestled alongside tender-crisp asparagus spears. Prepare to be enchanted by the sensory-rich experience of this refined yet comforting one-pan wonder.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
This one-pan marvel is the epitome of graceful, flavorful sophistication. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh asparagus, and the bright, aromatic notes of lemon and garlic create a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. The ease of preparation and the use of a single pan make this dish an irresistible choice for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner or a casual weekend indulgence. Prepare to be swept away by the warm, comforting embrace of this refined culinary experience.
Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few high-quality, thoughtfully selected ingredients to create this sensory-rich masterpiece. Juicy shrimp, tender asparagus spears, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic come together to form the foundation of this refined one-pan wonder.
- 1 lb (450g) – Peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) – Fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 – Lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp – High-quality olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shrimp: Chicken or salmon — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Asparagus: Green beans or broccoli florets — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Prepare to be enchanted by the effortless elegance of this one-pan wonder. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that will leave your taste buds singing.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preparing the ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, and trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon to unlock their aromatic potential.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear until they just begin to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Next, add the asparagus spears to the pan and sauté until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Deglaze the pan with the juice of one lemon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the seared shrimp to the pan and toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Serve Over Grains: For an extra touch of elegance, consider serving the One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus over a bed of fragrant lemon-herb rice or quinoa.
- Herb Variations: You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to complement the bright, zesty flavors.
- Creamy Twist: If you prefer a creamier texture, a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can be added to the pan during the final steps.
- Spice It Up: To add a touch of heat, you can sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the final steps of the cooking process.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fluffy white rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh, crisp salad.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: The shrimp and asparagus can be prepped and stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook.
Nutrition Information
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a delightful, nutritious option for a balanced and satisfying meal. The shrimp provides a lean source of protein, while the asparagus offers a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic, this dish is a true celebration of wholesome, gourmet indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shrimp should I use?
For the best results, opt for fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp. You can use either medium or large-sized shrimp, depending on your preference.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw the shrimp according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add a touch of heat, you can sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the final steps of the cooking process.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance. The shrimp and asparagus can be prepped and stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook.
What should I serve with this dish?
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as fluffy white rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh, crisp salad.
Try These Next
- One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp And Veggies
- One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken And Asparagus
- One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Veggie Skillet
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and elegant simplicity. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. 3. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. 4. Add asparagus and lemon juice, cooking until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in lemon zest and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: One-Pan & Skillet Dinners
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg