Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are seared to perfection and combined with crisp asparagus in a lemony garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (26–30 count)
- ¾ tsp sea salt, divided
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch crushed red-pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
Butter Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp water (for emulsion)
Optional Garnish
- Shaved Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with ½ tsp sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red-pepper flakes if using. Trim the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Heat skillet: Place a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat until the butter melts and begins to sizzle.
- Sear shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on each side until they are pink and opaque. Then transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Cook asparagus: Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and add the asparagus pieces. Sauté for 2 minutes until crisp-tender, seasoning with ¼ teaspoon sea salt.
- Bloom garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons water. Swirl and stir for 30 seconds until the sauce becomes glossy and well blended.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and asparagus hot, optionally garnished with shaved Parmesan for an extra touch of richness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red-pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your butter and olive oil are pure and have no additives.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- If preferred, substitute parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal note.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve larger groups.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
