Looking to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner rotation? This Shrimp and Asparagus with Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe will do just that! Bursting with bright, fresh flavors, this low-carb meal comes together quickly, making it a perfect fast weeknight dinner.
An Easy Yet Impressive Recipe
Part of what makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to make, yet it looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing in the kitchen. With just 20 minutes of active cooking time, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table. No one needs to know it came together so quickly and easily!
The secret lies in the method – roasting the shrimp and asparagus together on one sheet pan. This streamlines prep and cleanup while intensifying flavors. Then, while the seafood and veggies roast, the spicy lemon garlic sauce simmers on the stove. When everything comes together at the end, you have a complete, impressive meal with bold flavors and contrasting textures.
Big, Bold Flavors
This recipe truly delivers when it comes to exciting, bold flavors. The combination of smoky paprika, fiery cayenne and chili flakes, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic and herbs gives such an incredible flavor payoff. Each bite offers something new, from the briny shrimp, to the slightly charred asparagus, to the addicting garlic sauce.
While the sauce ingredients might seem simple on their own, together they create something special. The garlic and lemon form a bright, buttery base, while the red pepper flakes add heat. Fresh parsley and cilantro lend herby notes and color. Make sure to adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste – add more for intense heat or reduce for milder flavors.
Healthy Ingredients, Easy Prep
In addition to being downright delicious, this recipe has health on its side too. Shrimp offers protein, vitamins, and minerals, while asparagus brings fiber and nutrients. Olive oil and lemon provide healthy fats and vitamin C.
With a solid foundation of wholesome main ingredients, you can feel good about digging into this flavor-packed meal! The easy sheet pan cooking method also minimizes added calories from oils or long cooking times.
Prep is a breeze with this recipe as well. The shrimp just needs a quick peel and devein. Simply snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. With the veggies and protein prepped, throw everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work!
Customize It!
Part of what makes this recipe so versatile is all the different ways you can adapt it. Play around with the proteins or veggies that go into the sheet pan if you want to change it up! Chicken or thick white fish like cod or halibut would work nicely. For veggies, try zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts in place of or in addition to the asparagus.
You can also easily adjust spice levels to suit your tastes. Like it mild? Omit or decrease the cayenne and chili flakes. Love super spicy food? Double them!
Finally, swap out the herbs in the sauce if you want different flavor profiles. Cilantro adds a brightness, while basil brings a fresh kick. Dill or tarragon would lend more licorice notes. The possibilities are endless!
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
If you’re ready to get cooking, just follow these simple steps:
Prep the Ingredients
- Rinse, peel, and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation.
- Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and cut into thirds.
- Mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon.
- Chop the parsley, cilantro, and any other fresh herbs.
Roast the Shrimp and Asparagus
- Toss the asparagus with 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In the same bowl, mix the shrimp with the remaining oil and all the spices.
- Arrange the veggies and proteins in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make the Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the lemon zest and juice, herbs, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Finish the Dish
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven when finished roasting.
- Drizzle the sauce over the shrimp and asparagus. Toss gently.
- Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices. Enjoy immediately!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This flavor-packed shrimp and asparagus pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks:
- Serve over lemony orzo or couscous for a light, yet hearty meal. The starch soaks up the delicious garlic sauce.
- Toss through hot pasta like linguine for a super quick, restaurant-worthy dinner.
- Pair with crusty bread for dipping in the addicting garlic sauce.
- For lower-carb options, serve over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a simple green salad.
- Ice cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc match the brighter notes.
- A subtle rosé brings out the herby flavors.
However you choose to enjoy this quick and easy dinner recipe, it’s sure to spice up your weeknight meal rotation! The bold flavors, simple cooking method, and versatility of this dish make it a winner any night of the week.
Print
Shrimp and Asparagus with Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Quick and easy shrimp and asparagus tossed in a spicy lemon garlic sauce, perfect for a low-carb meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Asparagus:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (450g) asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into thirds
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional for a unique twist)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional Garnishes:
Lemon slices, for serving
Additional chopped parsley and cilantro
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season the Asparagus and Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika and onion powder. Spread on one half of the baking sheet.
In the same bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange the shrimp on the other half of the baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast:
Roast in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
Make the Spicy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
While the shrimp and asparagus are roasting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, and red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine and Serve:
Once the shrimp and asparagus are done, remove from the oven. Pour the spicy lemon garlic sauce over the shrimp and asparagus, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Garnish with lemon slices, additional parsley, and cilantro.
Enjoy:
Serve hot, with extra lemon slices on the side for added zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Diet: Diabetic
