Zesty shrimp asparagus

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

A fresh combo of tender shrimp and seasonal asparagus. Lemon and shallots add a crisp, light touch to this easy dish.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:02:46 GMT
A skillet filled with sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and lemon slices. Pin it
A skillet filled with sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and lemon slices. | tasteofsavor.com

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.
A pan filled with grilled shrimp, cherry tomatoes and asparagus, garnished with lemon and herbs. Pin it
A pan filled with grilled shrimp, cherry tomatoes and asparagus, garnished with lemon and herbs. | tasteofsavor.com

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.

Shrimp asparagus dish

Juicy shrimp and crunchy asparagus flavored with fresh lemon. A wholesome dish packed with Mediterranean tastes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, size 16/20).
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
04 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest.
05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
06 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (split).
07 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
08 1/4 cup diced shallots.
09 1 lb asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces.
10 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
11 Lemon wedges for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss shrimp in a medium bowl with salt, pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice.

Step 02

Cut off the tough ends of asparagus, then chop into 2-inch sections.

Step 03

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium. Pour 1 tbsp olive oil in, then cook shallots for a minute, stirring till soft and fragrant.

Step 04

Lay shrimp flat in the skillet. Let them cook for 2 minutes without moving, flip, then cook 1 more minute until just done. Take them out and set aside.

Step 05

Pour 1 tbsp olive oil into the skillet. Once hot, sauté asparagus for 3–4 minutes until tender but crunchy.

Step 06

Mix in the cherry tomatoes and cook for a quick minute.

Step 07

Put cooked shrimp back in the pan and warm for one more minute.

Step 08

Season to taste and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  1. A fast, flavorful option great for a light dinner.
  2. Perfect for a healthy, high-protein meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-inch skillet.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 32 g