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A quick, flavorful, and healthy one-pan meal combining tender large shrimp with crisp asparagus, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and full of fresh bright flavors.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized (about 2-inch) pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
  3. Cook the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Sauté the Shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Cook the Asparagus: Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to skillet with asparagus. Add lemon juice, zest, and butter if using. Toss and cook another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp very dry before cooking to ensure proper sear and avoid steaming., Season shrimp just before cooking to keep them juicy., Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary., Add lemon zest early during cooking to enhance aroma, add lemon juice near the end for brightness., Butter is optional and can be substituted with ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free versions., Cook asparagus pieces uniformly for even cooking; thicker stalks can be sliced diagonally or blanched first., Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture., Variation ideas include adding cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or serving over rice, quinoa, or pasta.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Approximately 11g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g per serving
  • Protein: Approximately 23g per serving