![To make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus, you need just a few simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need: - 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 red pepper flakes (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty weeknight meal. The shrimp provides protein, and asparagus adds crunch. The garlic and butter give it a rich flavor. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, while parsley adds a fresh touch. When you gather these ingredients, think about the freshness. Fresh shrimp and asparagus make a big difference. Use good quality butter for the best taste. You can find the full recipe in the section above. - Melt butter and sauté garlic. - Cook shrimp until pink. - Add asparagus and remaining butter. To start, I melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, I add minced garlic. I sauté it for about one minute until it smells great. Next, I add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. I season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some heat. I cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they turn pink. After the shrimp nearly cooks through, I push them to one side of the skillet. I then add asparagus to the other side. I add the last two tablespoons of butter to the asparagus. I stir it to coat the pieces in butter. I let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. I stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly. - Mix shrimp with asparagus. - Incorporate lemon zest and juice. - Adjust seasoning to taste. Once the shrimp and asparagus are both cooked, I mix them together in the skillet. I then add lemon zest and lemon juice for brightness. This step makes the dish pop with flavor. I toss everything to combine well and cook for another minute until heated through. Finally, I taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Recommended heat levels. - Cooking times for optimal texture. For best results, I keep the heat at medium to cook the shrimp and asparagus evenly. Cooking shrimp takes about 2-3 minutes until it turns pink. For asparagus, I recommend around 4-5 minutes. This timing keeps the vegetables crisp-tender. If you follow these steps, your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus will be a tasty weeknight dish that everyone loves. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To know when shrimp is done, look for a pink color. The shrimp should curl into a C shape. If it’s straight, it is overcooked. Aim for 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps shrimp juicy and tender. Use a timer to avoid guesswork. For crisp-tender asparagus, cook for about 4-5 minutes. It should be bright green and still firm. Start with fresh asparagus. Trim the ends for better texture. You can snap them off using your hands. This method removes the tough part easily. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra taste. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on top for brightness. Serve the dish on a colorful plate. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color. This makes your meal more appealing and fun to eat. For the full recipe, check the link above. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken gives a hearty feel. Tofu is great for a meatless meal. If using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. If using tofu, use firm tofu and cook it for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps it crispy and delicious. Feel free to add other veggies to your dish. Bell peppers and snap peas work well. They add color and crunch. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini. Just remember to adjust cooking times. For bell peppers, add them with the shrimp. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. For snap peas, toss them in with the asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes for a nice bite. Try adding different herbs or spices for a new flavor. Basil or thyme can give a nice twist. You can also add some lemon pepper for extra zing. Using flavored oils or butters can change the taste too. Garlic-infused oil adds depth, while lemon butter gives a fresh touch. Experimenting can make this dish exciting every time you cook it! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the dish in the fridge, where it will last for 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to refrigerate it as soon as possible after cooking. You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that shrimp can change texture. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for about 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus, I recommend these methods: - Microwave: Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid uneven cooking. - Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the dish in an oven-safe pan and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. These methods help keep your shrimp and asparagus tasty and enjoyable! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. In fact, frozen shrimp can be just as good as fresh! To use frozen shrimp, you’ll want to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat them dry. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and avoids excess water in your dish. Fresh shrimp should look moist and glossy. Look for a slight sheen on the shells. The flesh should be firm and not slimy. If you notice a strong fishy smell, it’s best to avoid that shrimp. Fresh shrimp should smell mild and sweet, like the ocean. You have many tasty options! Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus pairs well with: - Rice - Quinoa - Pasta - Crusty bread You can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a healthy side. Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and store it in the fridge. Just keep the shrimp and asparagus in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. This dish also tastes great warm or at room temperature. For the full recipe, check out the details above! This blog post covered the essentials for making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step prep, and cooking tips. I provided variations to customize your dish and storage guidelines for leftovers. Remember, cooking shrimp is all about timing, and fresh ingredients make a big difference. I hope these tips help you create a meal that's tasty and memorable. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c728854f-8c75-4a77-a1c9-2cca00683957-300x300.webp)
20. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Delight your taste buds with this irresistibly tasty garlic butter shrimp and asparagus recipe! In just 20 minutes, create a vibrant dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Succulent shrimp perfectly paired with tender asparagus, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this quick and easy meal.