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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

lemon garlic butter shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring tender shrimp and crisp asparagus cooked in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends, then cut into 2-inch pieces. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Let the butter melt completely without browning.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the asparagus pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Push the asparagus to one side of the pan. Add the shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to sear.
  6. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  7. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and asparagus. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Keep asparagus crisp by sautéing briefly. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Cook shrimp in batches if pan is crowded to prevent steaming. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, asparagus, lemon garlic butter, one-pan, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, seafood