Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

$- 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 lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish To make garlic butter shrimp and asparagus, you need fresh shrimp and asparagus. The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined. Fresh asparagus adds crunch and color. Butter gives the dish a rich flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over salt. Garlic is key here; minced garlic will bring out a strong taste. Lemon zest and juice add brightness. They balance the butter's richness. Red pepper flakes give a hint of heat, but that is optional. Finally, fresh parsley adds a nice touch. It looks pretty and tastes great. For the full recipe, check the details above. - White wine for deglazing - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary For added flavor, consider white wine. It can be used to deglaze the pan, enhancing the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well. They add a fragrant note that lifts the dish. - Rinse and dry the shrimp. This keeps the shrimp clean and helps them cook well. - Season shrimp with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to your shrimp. - Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. The smell will fill your kitchen! - Cook asparagus until tender-crisp. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir them for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and still a bit crunchy. - Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Use the same skillet. Add 2 more tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and look opaque. - Toss shrimp and asparagus with lemon zest and juice. Add the cooked asparagus back to the skillet. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Mix everything well. Cook for one more minute to blend the flavors. You can find the complete details of this dish in the Full Recipe section. - Avoid overcooking shrimp for the best texture. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. - Sauté garlic carefully to prevent burning. Cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - This dish is best served with rice or crusty bread. The bread soaks up the tasty garlic butter. - Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. - Use fresh herbs for added color and flavor. Parsley or basil can brighten the dish. - Lemon wedges give an extra zesty kick. Squeeze them before eating for more flavor. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above! {{image_2}} You can easily change up this dish by adding new flavors. Here are some ideas: - Cherry tomatoes: These bring bright color and a sweet taste. Just toss them in with the asparagus for a pop of freshness. - Zucchini or bell peppers: If you want to skip the asparagus, these veggies work great. They add crunch and flavor while keeping the dish light. You can adjust this dish to fit different diets. Here are two easy swaps: - Low-carb option: Serve the shrimp and asparagus on a bed of cauliflower rice. This keeps it hearty without the carbs. - Vegan choice: Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. This lets you enjoy all the flavors without animal products. For the full recipe, check the sections above. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp tender and the asparagus crisp. Make sure to let the dish cool first before sealing it. Freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing. Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy your dish just like the first time! For the full recipe, check back for the details. Cook the shrimp in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side. This time ensures they turn pink and opaque, which means they are cooked perfectly. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are thawed properly before cooking. Thaw them in the fridge or run them under cold water. This keeps them safe and ready for your dish. You can use zucchini, broccoli, or green beans instead of asparagus. Each of these options brings a different taste and texture to the dish, making it fun to experiment. To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños. This gives your garlic butter shrimp and asparagus a nice kick that enhances the flavor. Serve it hot over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread. A lemon wedge on the side adds a lovely touch and brightens the flavors. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! This recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus is simple and delicious. You learned which key ingredients you need and how to cook them. I shared tips to ensure your shrimp turn out perfect. You can even customize the dish with different veggies or spices. Lastly, proper storage helps enjoy leftovers later. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy making this meal your own!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

Indulge in a flavorful and fancy meal with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp and vibrant asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.

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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 lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.

Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet with the shrimp. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, and toss everything together. Cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.

Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and asparagus over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A lemon wedge on the side adds color and a fresh touch!