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- 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 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving To make this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet, gather your ingredients. Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Next, grab one bunch of asparagus. Trim it and cut it into 2-inch pieces. You will need four tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds richness to the dish. For flavor, use four cloves of garlic, minced finely. You will also need one teaspoon of lemon zest. This adds a bright taste. For a fresh kick, use two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. If you like some heat, add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. For a lovely finish, chop fresh parsley to garnish. Finally, have lemon wedges ready for serving. This dish looks great and tastes even better. First, take a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until the garlic smells good. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. When they are ready, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, toss in the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces. Season them with salt and pepper too. Sauté the asparagus for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp, which means they should be bright green and still have a bit of crunch. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the mix. Stir everything together until it is all heated through, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step brings all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. - Choosing the right shrimp: Always opt for large, fresh shrimp. They offer the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sea smell. You can use frozen shrimp if fresh is not available, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. - Timing for perfect asparagus: Asparagus cooks quickly. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy. Sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until bright green. This keeps its crunch and flavor intact. If you start cooking the asparagus too early, it can become overcooked by the time the shrimp is ready. - Adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. If you like it mild, use less. For more heat, add more flakes. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take heat out. - Best side dishes to pair with the recipe: Garlic butter shrimp and asparagus go well with rice or quinoa. A light salad also works nicely. You can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. - Creative presentation ideas: For a fun twist, serve the dish in a large bowl with lemon wedges on the side. You can also sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Using colorful plates can make your meal look more inviting. {{image_2}} You can easily change the veggies or seafood in this dish. If you don't have asparagus, try using broccoli, snap peas, or green beans. These veggies cook well and add great taste. They keep the dish fresh and crisp. For seafood, shrimp is great, but you can swap it for scallops, crab, or even fish fillets. Each choice will bring a new flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time for different seafood types. To boost flavor, think about adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill. These herbs add a nice pop of taste. You can mix them in while cooking or sprinkle them on top before serving. Also, try different citrus flavors. Besides lemon, you could use lime or orange for a twist. Each citrus brings a unique zing that pairs well with shrimp and veggies. Just zest and juice them like you would with lemon. To keep your garlic butter shrimp and asparagus fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This will keep it tasty for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use a skillet on low heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the asparagus crisp. Stir gently while heating to keep the flavors intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until everything is heated through. Enjoy your meal even after storing! Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps get rid of extra moisture. It also helps the shrimp cook evenly. How to make this dish dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, replace the butter. Use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Both options will give you a great flavor. You might miss some creaminess, but the garlic and lemon will still shine. What can I substitute for lemon juice? If you don’t have lemon juice, try lime juice or vinegar. Both will add a nice tang. You can also use citrus zest for flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit. This dish of garlic butter shrimp and asparagus is simple and delicious. You learned what ingredients you need and how to cook them step by step. From choosing the right shrimp to tips on storing leftovers, this recipe offers many options. Explore variations to make it your own. Enjoy it fresh or store it for later. Your meals can be quick and tasty with a few easy changes. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet that’s quick and easy to make! Ready in just 20 minutes, this mouthwatering dish combines tender shrimp and vibrant asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with a splash of lemon for zest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to this flavorful meal!
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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

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the asparagus pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.

          Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring everything together until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.

            Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

              Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

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