![- 1 lb (450g) 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 lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I prepare garlic butter shrimp and asparagus, I love to start with fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp gives the best texture and flavor. Look for shrimp that is firm and smells like the ocean. As for asparagus, choose bright green stalks. They should snap when you break them. The butter in this dish adds richness. It melts into a flavorful sauce and coats each shrimp and piece of asparagus. Garlic is key for depth. It brings a warm, savory note. The lemon zest and juice add a burst of brightness, balancing the richness. Red pepper flakes give a gentle heat. Adjust them based on your spice level. This dish is not only tasty but also colorful with green asparagus and pink shrimp. Each bite is a delight! For a final touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can find the full recipe to make this dish easily at home. Enjoy every bite! - Rinse and dry shrimp under cold water. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. First, you want to make sure the shrimp are clean. Rinsing them helps remove any grit. Drying them with a paper towel makes them cook better. The salt and pepper add a nice flavor to the shrimp. - Sauté asparagus in butter until tender. - Remove and set aside cooked asparagus. Next, melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add the asparagus pieces. Cook them for about three to four minutes. You want them to be crisp but tender. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. - Melt remaining butter in the skillet. - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. In that same skillet, add the last two tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook this for about a minute. You want to smell that garlic, but don’t let it burn. - Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet. - Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Now, add the shrimp back to the skillet. Cook them for about three to four minutes. They will turn pink and opaque when done. At this point, gently stir in lemon zest and lemon juice for added flavor. - Return asparagus to the skillet. - Mix everything together and heat through. After the shrimp are cooked, add the asparagus back to the skillet. Stir everything carefully to mix well. Heat it for another minute, so all the flavors blend. - Taste the dish and adjust seasonings. - Garnish with parsley before serving. Finally, taste your dish. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Once you are happy, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley to make it look nice. Serve it warm for a delightful meal. For the full recipe, check the details above. When picking shrimp, you have two main choices: fresh or frozen. Fresh shrimp can taste great, but frozen shrimp is often just as good. Look for shrimp that smells clean and has a firm texture. Size matters too! Large shrimp, about 16-20 per pound, work best for this dish. They cook evenly and look impressive on the plate. To get tender asparagus, cook it just right. The best way is to sauté it until it's bright green and slightly soft. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. When you shop for asparagus, choose stalks that are firm and straight. Look for bright green tips. This helps ensure you have fresh asparagus to complement your shrimp. To boost flavor, I love to make my own seasoning. A mix of lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes gives a tasty kick. You can also add ingredients like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and taste. These ideas make your garlic butter shrimp and asparagus even more special. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight. {{image_2}} You can switch up the vegetables. Broccoli makes a great choice. It adds a nice crunch. Bell peppers bring color and sweetness. Snap peas add a fresh snap to the dish. Each of these options pairs well with garlic and butter. Feel free to mix them all in for a veggie medley! If you want to change the protein, shrimp is not the only option. Chicken works well too. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as the shrimp. Tofu is another great choice. It soaks up all the garlic butter flavor. Just make sure to press it first to remove extra water. You can control the heat in this dish. If you like it spicy, keep the red pepper flakes. If you want less heat, reduce the amount. You can even leave them out. Add a dash of black pepper instead for flavor. Adjusting spice levels makes this dish perfect for anyone! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers properly, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp and asparagus cool down first. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, check for any odd smells. If it smells fine, you can reheat it. Best practices for freezing garlic butter shrimp and asparagus include using freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat for the best texture and taste, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the dish. Stir gently until heated through. This keeps the shrimp juicy and the asparagus tender. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. The total cooking time is around 10 minutes. So, in just 20 minutes, you can have this tasty dish ready to enjoy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Frozen shrimp can save time and are often just as good. To use them, thaw them first under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the dish tasty. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with rice or quinoa. Garlic bread also makes a great choice. A fresh salad can add a nice touch too. These sides will balance the meal and enhance the flavors. To lighten up this dish, you can use less butter. Try using olive oil instead. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Using whole grain pasta instead of rice can add more fiber. These swaps keep the meal delicious and nutritious. For the full recipe, check the link. This dish of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus is simple and delicious. You can make it quickly using fresh ingredients. Remember to choose good shrimp and asparagus for the best taste. Feel free to explore variations, like different vegetables or proteins. Storing leftovers is easy, and reheating keeps flavors strong. Enjoy your cooking experience and make it a meal that delights you and others. This easy recipe will surely impress at your next gathering!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b29050bb-5d59-46b3-9234-6bebebfe1409-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Delight that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh asparagus, garlic, and a splash of lemon for a burst of flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that impresses! Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving this delightful dish that everyone will love!