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To make garlic butter shrimp and asparagus, you need the following ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a dish full of flavor and color. The shrimp provide protein and a sweet, briny taste. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright green color. Butter and garlic mix to form a rich sauce, while red pepper flakes bring a hint of heat. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, making it fresh and lively. I love using fresh parsley to finish the dish, adding a burst of color. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting a delightful plate that is sure to impress. For the full recipe, check the notes above. Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step helps the shrimp sear well. Next, season them with salt and pepper. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the garlic butter. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Watch carefully to avoid burning it. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. They should turn pink and curl. Flip the shrimp with a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the asparagus pieces. Sauté the asparagus for about 5-6 minutes. You want them tender but still bright green. This step adds a nice crunch to your dish. Now it's time to bring everything together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Toss all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is well combined and heated through. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to make it perfect for you. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus! To avoid overcooked shrimp, follow these steps: - Pat shrimp dry: This helps them sear well. - Cook quickly: Shrimp cook fast. Watch them closely. - Pink color: When they turn pink and start to curl, they are done. For sautéing asparagus perfectly: - Cut evenly: Cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. - High heat: Use medium-high heat to keep them crisp. - Bright green: Cook until bright green but still tender, about 5-6 minutes. For a beautiful presentation: - Large platter: Serve on a big plate for a nice look. - Drizzle sauce: Pour any leftover garlic butter sauce over the top. - Garnish colors: Add lemon wedges and parsley for color. For side dishes that complement the flavors: - Rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the sauce well. - Salad: A light salad adds freshness. - Crusty bread: Great for dipping in the garlic sauce. Check the Full Recipe for more details on making this delightful dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in this dish. If you prefer chicken or scallops, use those instead of shrimp. For a vegetarian twist, try firm tofu or mushrooms. You will still get a great flavor. Instead of asparagus, use green beans or zucchini. They add crunch and taste great. You can also mix in bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for color and flavor. For spices, feel free to switch things up. Instead of red pepper flakes, try smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist. You can cook shrimp in different ways. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Just marinate the shrimp in garlic butter before grilling. Sear them on high heat for a few minutes. Pan-searing is another option. It’s quick and easy. Just follow the steps in the full recipe for great results. If you want a healthier choice, try baking. Place shrimp and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with garlic butter and lemon juice. Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. This method keeps it light but just as tasty. After you enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. The shrimp and asparagus will stay good for up to two days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. When you're ready to eat those tasty leftovers, reheating them right is key. I recommend using a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp moist. Stir gently to warm everything through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid rubbery shrimp. This way, your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus will still taste fresh and delicious. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! How can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus spicy? You can add more red pepper flakes for heat. Start with one teaspoon. Taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra spice. Adjust to your liking! Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus? This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables work nicely, too. Explore the full recipe for more ideas! You now have a clear guide to making Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus. This dish combines fresh shrimp and crunchy asparagus, creating a tasty meal. Remember to follow the steps for perfect cooking and flavor. Use the tips for presentation and side dishes to impress. Finally, don’t hesitate to try out variations and keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this simple yet delicious dish anytime you want!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

Satisfy your cravings with this irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus! Whip up this quick and flavorful dish using just a few ingredients, featuring succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both simple and impressive.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. Set aside.

    In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to curl. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the asparagus. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still vibrant green.

          Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

            Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish on a large platter, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley to add a pop of color.