Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus – bright, flavour-packed low carb meal

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emon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus brings together that bright, fresh citrus-garlic zip with succulent shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus. You’ll learn how to create a standout Keto Dinner Shrimp dish that feels elegant yet simple. You’ll discover timing tips for perfect shrimp, how the asparagus provides a gorgeous crunch, how to serve it beautifully, and how to make this a go-to in your repertoire of Healthy Dinners Recipes or Low Carb Shrimp Dinner options.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

The story behind the recipe

www.koyarecipes.comHi, I’m Barbara Anderson, creator of KoyaRecipes.com, where I share simple, flavorful meals that make everyday cooking joyful. My love for food began in my grandmother’s kitchen where I learned to cook by feel, taste and family tradition. Now as a busy mom, food remains the heart of our home. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus dish reflects that same comfort, flavor and ease. It’s one of my favorite Shrimp With Asparagus Recipes because it’s fast, fresh and always satisfying. It also fits perfectly into Recipe With Asparagus collections and Dinner Recipes With Asparagus for clean eating.

Key reasons this recipe stands out

This dish shines thanks to its crisp asparagus, succulent shrimp and a bright lemon garlic finish. It fits beautifully into Keto Asparagus Recipes and low carb lifestyles. The cooking time is short, the clean flavors appeal to everyone and the one-pan method keeps cleanup easy. It’s flavorful without being heavy and makes a great Healthy Dinners Recipes option for busy schedules.

Ingredients for lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus

Detailed ingredient list with tips and substitutions

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined – Medium or large shrimp cook evenly.
• Asparagus – Trim woody ends; thin to medium stalks work best.
• Butter or olive oil – Butter adds richness; olive oil keeps it light.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
• Lemon juice and zest – Fresh lemon adds brightness.
• Red pepper flakes – Optional for heat.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for balance.
• Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color.

Ingredient notes or pro tips

• Pat shrimp dry so they cook quickly and sear instead of steaming.
• Snap asparagus at their natural break point to remove tough ends.
• Use both lemon juice and zest for maximum citrus flavor.
• Keep this a true Low Carb Shrimp Dinner by serving with cauliflower rice.
• Combining butter and olive oil gives flavor with better temperature control.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Step-by-step cooking instructions

Step 1: Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Step 3: Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove when pink.
Step 4: Add asparagus to the same pan and cook until bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 5: Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and zest and stir gently.
Step 6: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Common variations or flavor adjustments

• Roast everything on a sheet pan for a hands-off version.
• Add smoked paprika or extra red pepper for heat.
• Add a splash of cream for richness if not keeping it strictly keto.
• Substitute broccoli or green beans for asparagus if desired.
• Serve over pasta, quinoa or rice if you’re not following Keto Asparagus Recipes.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Serving suggestions and pairings

• Serve over cauliflower rice for the perfect Keto Dinner Shrimp meal.
• Pair with quinoa, rice or pasta for a non-keto option.
• Add a green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Include lemon wedges for extra brightness.

How to make it look beautiful on the plate

• Keep shrimp tails on for visual appeal.
• Lay asparagus spears neatly beneath the shrimp.
• Garnish with parsley or lemon zest curls.
• Use a white plate to highlight the vibrant colors.
• Finish with a light drizzle of lemon-garlic pan sauce.

How to Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Expert tips for success

• Use medium-high heat to cook shrimp quickly and avoid rubbery texture.
• Do not overcook asparagus; keep it crisp-tender.
• Add garlic at the right time so it doesn’t burn.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Use fresh lemon rather than bottled juice for best flavor.

Troubleshooting advice

• Mushy shrimp: Overcooked. Cook only until opaque.
• Limp asparagus: Reduce cooking time or use thinner stalks.
• Bitter garlic: Cook garlic only until fragrant.
• Weak flavor: Add lemon zest and correct seasoning.
• Thin sauce: Reduce briefly or add more butter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Typical cooking or prep errors

• Not drying the shrimp before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan.
• Leaving woody asparagus ends attached.
• Using only lemon juice without zest.
• Under-seasoning such a simple dish.

How to fix or prevent them

• Always pat shrimp dry.
• Cook in a single layer.
• Trim asparagus properly.
• Zest the lemon before juicing it.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before plating.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Best way to store leftovers

• Cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze shrimp separately for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen portions overnight before reheating.

Reheating methods that maintain flavor and texture

• Warm in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or broth.
• Avoid microwaving when possible to prevent overcooking.
• Refresh with a squeeze of lemon after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry to ensure proper searing and texture.

What can I serve with this if I’m not doing low carb?

Rice, pasta or quinoa pair wonderfully and make a more filling Dinner Recipes With Asparagus meal.

How do I keep asparagus crisp?

Cook only until tender-crisp and choose thin to medium stalks for best texture.

Is this recipe keto friendly?

Yes. It is naturally low carb and fits perfectly into Keto Dinner Shrimp and Keto Asparagus Recipes.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a fast, flavorful and nutritious option for busy nights. It fits naturally into Healthy Dinners Recipes and offers the convenience of a one-pan method without sacrificing taste. Whether you follow a low carb lifestyle or want a fresh, vibrant dinner, this Asparagus Shrimp recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and share how it turns out.

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus – bright, flavour-packed low carb meal

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A quick and healthy one-skillet meal featuring tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and zesty lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a light weeknight dinner.

  • 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 pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juice and zest

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. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.

2. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

6. Return the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Add the lemon juice, zest, and butter (if using). Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.

7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to round out the meal.

This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it great for a variety of diets.

To add a richer flavor, substitute white wine for half of the lemon juice.

  • Author: barbara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Method: Sautéed
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 4
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22
  • Cholesterol: 150

Hey, I’m barbara !

As a chef, I believe good food doesn’t need to be complicated. I draw inspiration from comforting favorites and bold flavors, creating dishes that connect people and spark joy—one bite at a time.

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