Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that takes just 22 minutes to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors and nutrition. This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry with Lemon Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste, this Asian-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a bright lemon finish that will make your weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping asparagus into 2-inch diagonal pieces, peeling and deveining shrimp, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add asparagus pieces to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and continue stir-frying for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and asparagus, tossing to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh lemon wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, pairing with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your wok or skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Prep Work Matters: Cut asparagus diagonally for more surface area and visual appeal, and make sure shrimp are completely deveined and patted dry.
- Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly—they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat.
- Customize Your Heat: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want an extra kick of spice.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 170mg
