Quick question, do you want a 20-minute dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal? Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a bright, protein-packed skillet dinner, with garlic, lemon, and a touch of white wine for depth. This guide is built for Facebook and Pinterest users who want fast results and reliable steps, and it includes tested tips to avoid soggy asparagus and rubbery shrimp.
My step-by-step method focuses on timing and temperature, so every bite has crisp asparagus and tender shrimp. For a similar surf-and-turf weeknight twist, try our chicken and shrimp alfredo sauce recipe for a creamy alternative.
What Is Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus?
Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a quick sauté where shrimp cooks with asparagus in a lemon-garlic pan sauce. It is popular where seafood is accessible, and it adapts well to low-carb, Mediterranean, or light-dinner preferences.
This dish highlights contrast, crisp vegetables against delicate seafood, and it scales easily for 2 to 6 servings. If you prefer plant-based plates, see our collection of vegan sandwich ideas for dinner swaps that keep prep short.
Quick Facts about Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
- Prep time: 10 min, Cook time: 10 min, Total time: 20 min
- Servings: 4, Shrimp: 400 g peeled, Asparagus: 300 g trimmed
- Primary flavors: garlic, lemon, butter, white wine
Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Ingredients
Sauce base
- 2 tbsp butter For sautéing and flavor.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper Adds subtle heat.
- 3 cloves minced garlic Base flavor for the dish.
- 60 mL dry white wine For deglazing.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice For acidity.
- 1 tsp lemon zest Adds fresh lemon flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt For seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
Main ingredients
- 300 g trimmed asparagus Adds crunch and color.
- 400 g peeled shrimp The main protein in this dish.
Garnish
- a handful chopped basil For fresh flavor at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until melted and starting to brown, add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper and 3 cloves minced garlic.
- Pour 60 mL dry white wine into the pan, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Cooking
- Add 300 g trimmed asparagus and stir, cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 400 g peeled shrimp to the pan, simmer until shrimp is opaque and curled, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Finishing
- Stir in a handful of chopped basil, remove from heat, and adjust salt and lemon as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect texture and flavor. Each step lists the action and the expected result so you can check progress at a glance.
Warm the butter and aromatics, Action: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until melted and starting to brown, add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper and 3 cloves minced garlic. Expected result: garlic is fragrant, butter smells nutty, do not brown the garlic.
Deglaze and season, Action: Pour 60 mL dry white wine into the pan, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, simmer for 2 min. Expected result: sauce reduces slightly and bright lemon notes develop.
Cook the asparagus, Action: Add 300 g trimmed asparagus and stir, cook 2 min, stirring occasionally. Expected result: asparagus is bright green and just tender-crisp.
Add the shrimp, Action: Add 400 g peeled shrimp to the pan, simmer until shrimp is opaque and curled, about 5 to 7 min. Expected result: shrimp are pink, firm, internal temp approx 63 C (145 F).
Finish and serve, Action: Stir in a handful of chopped basil, remove from heat, adjust salt and lemon as needed. Expected result: an herb-fresh finish, balanced acidity, ready to plate warm.
Variations & Substitutes
Small swaps can tailor this recipe to diets, pantry limits, or regional tastes. Each variation notes how it alters flavor, time, and nutrition so you can pick the best route.
- Low-sodium, use 1 tbsp butter and olive oil to reduce sodium and fat, flavor becomes lighter.
- Gluten-free, ensure wine and spices are GF, cook time unchanged.
- Vegan, substitute 300 g firm tofu for shrimp and vegetable broth for wine, protein drops but fiber increases, check our high protein sandwich recipes for plant protein ideas.
Chef tip: Pat shrimp dry before cooking, it sears better and avoids a watery pan.
Mistakes to Avoid
Common beginner errors are fast to fix. Use this checklist to prevent overcooked shrimp or limp asparagus and to keep the sauce bright.
- Overcrowding the pan, fix: cook in batches, shrimp should sizzle not steam.
- Using frozen, not-thawed shrimp, fix: thaw in fridge or cold water to ensure even cooking.
- Burning the garlic, fix: lower heat or add garlic after butter starts to brown.
- Too much acid early, fix: add lemon at the end for a fresher lift.
- Undercooked asparagus, fix: trim ends and slice thicker stalks on a slant for even cooking.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers store well when cooled quickly and refrigerated. Proper storage keeps texture acceptable for next-day meals and prevents food safety issues.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours, store in airtight container, use within 48 hours.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth to refresh sauce.
- Repurpose: fold into a warm pasta or top a salad for a quick lunch, or pair with a chocolate zucchini bread guide dessert for a balanced menu.
Did you know? Shrimp are a lean protein with about 24 g protein per 100 g and low calories, making them ideal for high-protein dinners.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try our take on baked banana breads and sandwiches to round menus and leftovers into new meals, starting with the banana loaf bread maker method for moist, reliable results.
- If you like quick seafood dinners, explore our chicken and shrimp alfredo sauce for a creamy option.
- Want plant-forward ideas? See these vegan sandwich ideas for easy swaps.
- Looking for extra protein on the go? Check high protein sandwich recipes to pair with leftovers.
Conclusion
Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus delivers bright, fast weeknight flavor, reliable texture, and easy variations. With the timing tips and troubleshooting checklist above, you can plate a restaurant-style meal in about 20 min. In this guide, you’ll learn how to time each step, avoid common mistakes, and adapt the recipe to your pantry.
