
Here's my shrimp and asparagus stir-fry, a quick and tasty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. The mix of shrimp, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes creates an amazing flavor combo, made even better with lemon and garlic. You'll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes that never fails to impress.
Delightful healthy dish
I'm crazy about this dish not just for how it tastes but also for how good it is for you. Shrimp gives you lean protein while asparagus packs fiber and vitamins. Fresh lemon brightens everything up, making this a light, balanced meal that's ready in no time.
What you'll need for this stir-fry
- Shrimp: 500g peeled and deveined
- Salt: A generous pinch
- Black pepper: To your liking
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Lemon: Juice and zest from one lemon
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon minced
- Shallots: 60g finely chopped
- Asparagus: 500g cut into pieces
- Cherry tomatoes: 200g halved
- Lemon: A few wedges for serving
Easy step-by-step guide
- Marinating the shrimp
- I toss my shrimp with salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon, and garlic in a bowl.
- Getting the asparagus ready
- I snap off the tough ends of the asparagus then cut them into 5cm pieces.
- Cooking the shallots
- In my large pan, I cook the shallots in olive oil until they're soft and fragrant.
- Cooking the shrimp
- I place my shrimp in the pan without overcrowding. They need 2 minutes on each side, then I set them aside.
- Cooking the asparagus
- I add a splash of oil and toss in my asparagus for 3-4 minutes to keep them crisp.
- Adding tomatoes
- I throw in my cherry tomatoes and let them soften up a bit.
- Finishing touch
- I put my shrimp back in the pan, warm everything together, and check the seasoning.

Ready to enjoy
I serve my stir-fry hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side. It pairs great with jasmine rice or a green salad for a complete, balanced meal that comes together in just minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you pick good asparagus?
- Look for firm stalks with tight tips. Stalks shouldn't feel soft, and the color should be bright and even.
- → Does shrimp size make a difference?
- It suggests 16/20 shrimp, but any size works. Just monitor cooking time—smaller shrimp cook faster.
- → How can I tell if shrimp's done?
- They're done when they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Don’t overcook—around 2-3 minutes is plenty.
- → Can this be prepped ahead?
- It’s best served fresh to keep asparagus crisp. Prep the ingredients ahead and cook last minute.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
- It works solo for a light meal, or pair it with rice or quinoa. A crusty baguette’s great for soaking up the juices.