Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. If the spears are thick, you can cut them in half crosswise.
- Mince the garlic and zest and juice half a lemon. Chop the fresh parsley.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Remove asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for about 30 seconds.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving
- Serve immediately as a light main course, or alongside quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery. It cooks very quickly! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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