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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, I love using fresh ingredients. The shrimp should be large and juicy. I always peel and devein them for the best texture. The asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright color. Make sure to cut them into 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. The butter becomes the star of the show. It melts into a rich sauce that coats every bite. Adding minced garlic brings a warm, savory taste. Lemon zest and juice brighten up the dish, making it fresh and zesty. For a kick, I sometimes use red pepper flakes. They add heat without overpowering the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes everything look lovely. You can find the full recipe above to gather these tasty ingredients. - Rinse shrimp and pat dry. - Trim and cut asparagus. To start, wash the shrimp under cold water. This step keeps them clean and fresh. After washing, dry them with paper towels. This helps the shrimp sear better when cooking. Next, take your asparagus. Cut off the tough ends and slice them into 2-inch pieces. This size cooks evenly and looks nice on your plate. - Melt butter and sauté garlic. - Cook asparagus and add shrimp. Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Let it melt slowly to avoid burning. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute. You want to release its yummy fragrance. Next, add your asparagus pieces to the skillet. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn bright green and soften just a bit. After that, crank the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the pan. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when ready. Stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly. - Drizzle with lemon juice and serve. When the shrimp is done, take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. This adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the garlic and butter. Gently toss everything to mix well. Now, it’s time to serve! Transfer the shrimp and asparagus to a nice platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your garlic butter shrimp and asparagus delight! For the full recipe and details, check out the full recipe. How to avoid overcooking shrimp To prevent overcooking shrimp, keep an eye on their color. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If they curl tightly, they are done. Remove them from heat right away. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and hard to chew. Best practices for asparagus When cooking asparagus, aim for a vibrant green color. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. If you overcook it, it loses its bright color and crunch. You can test by poking a piece with a fork. It should be easy to pierce but still firm. Ideal dishes to accompany the meal Garlic butter shrimp and asparagus pair well with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, consider a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Presentation tips for an appealing platter For a stunning presentation, serve the dish in a wide bowl or platter. Arrange the shrimp and asparagus neatly. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Adding lemon wedges on the side enhances the look and adds freshness. You want your dish not only to taste great but also to look inviting. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in this dish. Try broccoli or snap peas instead of asparagus. They add a nice crunch and flavor. If you want a twist, use zucchini or bell peppers. These options can make the meal even more colorful and fun. For shrimp, you have choices too. Use medium or small shrimp if you prefer. You can also swap shrimp for scallops or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything cooks well. To spice things up, add some heat! Try cayenne pepper or chili powder for more kick. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. This gives the dish a deeper taste that you might love. Herbs can change the whole vibe of the dish. Adding fresh basil or dill can bring a bright touch. You could also use thyme or oregano for a more earthy flavor. Mix and match to find what you enjoy most. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp and asparagus fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Can you freeze garlic butter shrimp and asparagus? Yes, you can! Freezing helps keep it for later. To freeze, let the meal cool fully. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, reheat in a skillet like before. This way, you keep the flavors intact. For more details, check the Full Recipe. How long do I cook shrimp and asparagus? You cook shrimp and asparagus for about 8 to 10 minutes. First, sauté the asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the shrimp and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp and asparagus? This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. Garlic bread is a nice addition too. What type of shrimp is best for this recipe? Large shrimp work best for this recipe. They hold up well during cooking and offer a nice bite. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the asparagus and mince the garlic. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Cooked shrimp and asparagus are best fresh, so make them just before serving. How many calories are in garlic butter shrimp and asparagus? A serving has about 300 calories. This can vary based on butter and shrimp size. Is this dish healthy? Yes, this dish is healthy. Shrimp provide protein, and asparagus adds fiber and vitamins. Using less butter can make it even lighter. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal. This blog post showed you how to make garlic butter shrimp and asparagus. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. You can enhance the recipe with different veggies and spices if you want. Remember to store leftovers properly and consider cooking ahead. This dish is healthy and quick, perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own and impressing others with your cooking skills!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

Elevate your dinner game with this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion. Click through to explore this easy recipe and get ready to impress your guests with a delicious seafood dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp and Asparagus: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.

    Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

      Sauté Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Cook the Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender and slightly bright in color.

          Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the red pepper flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.

            Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and toss everything gently to combine.

              Serve: Transfer the shrimp and asparagus to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in a wide bowl or platter, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.