Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus is a fast skillet meal made with tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, rich butter, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon. This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and works perfectly for busy weeknights or simple home cooking. The balance of savory garlic butter and bright citrus creates a dish that feels satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil, divided
Fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
Kosher salt
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, finely chopped
Onion powder
Crushed red pepper flakes
Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering
Add asparagus and season lightly with kosher salt
Cook while stirring occasionally until the asparagus is tender but still crisp
Transfer asparagus to a plate and set aside
Reduce heat to medium and add butter along with remaining olive oil
Stir in garlic, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes
Cook gently until butter is melted and garlic becomes fragrant without browning.
Add shrimp to the skillet and season with kosher salt
Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, turning once to cook evenly
Remove skillet from heat once shrimp are fully cooked
Return asparagus to the skillet and toss gently with shrimp
Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice
Finish with chopped parsley and toss to combine before serving warm.
Notes
Use shrimp that are similar in size so they cook evenly
Avoid high heat once butter is added to prevent burning
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre chopped options
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on preferred heat level
Asparagus thickness may affect cooking time, so monitor closely
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American