Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that fits any night of the week and feels like a treat, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is your answer. This dish delivers juicy, tender shrimp bursting with garlicky goodness, nestled alongside crisp-tender asparagus bathed in rich, golden butter. You’re rewarded with a meal that’s both simple and impressive—fancy enough for guests, quick enough for busy evenings. Whether it’s the savory aroma or the brilliant pop of green asparagus, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is a true weeknight hero you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is how just a handful of ingredients transform into a flavor-packed meal. Each component brings its own magic, from texture and scent to color—the type of essentials you probably already have in your kitchen.

• Shrimp: Choose large, peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and the perfect bite.
• Fresh Asparagus: Crisp asparagus adds a bright, green color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic layer you can smell as it sizzles.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level and enjoy that luscious, silky sauce.
• Olive Oil: Boosts the flavor while helping prevent the butter from burning.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds zing and brightness to every bite.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the shrimp and make all the flavors pop.
• Optional Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a gentle heat, a pinch will do the trick!
• Fresh Parsley: Finishing with parsley adds that final touch of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by snapping or trimming the woody ends off your asparagus stalks, then cut them into 2-inch pieces for quick, even cooking. Peel and devein your shrimp if they aren’t already prepped, and mince your garlic—it’s best fresh for maximum flavor in this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Asparagus

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they turn vibrantly green and start to soften. Transfer cooked asparagus to a plate to keep the texture bright and crisp when you add the shrimp.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Add the butter to the skillet, turning the heat down to medium. As it melts, stir in your minced garlic, letting it cook until fragrant—usually about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, since this can make it taste bitter rather than sweet and savory.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp to the garlicky butter, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the shrimp just turn pink and opaque, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Shrimp cook fast, so keep your eyes on them for that perfect juicy bite.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Return the sautéed asparagus to the skillet, toss to combine, and drizzle everything with that vibrant squeeze of lemon juice. Give it one last toss so every bite of Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus has just the right balance of buttery seafood, veggies, and zesty citrus.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and color, top your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus with a shower of finely chopped parsley and a few extra lemon wedges on the side. If you love a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or slivered almonds can add something special.

Side Dishes

This dish is heavenly served over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or alongside a warm crusty baguette—something to soak up all that garlicky, buttery sauce. If you’re feeling lighter, pair it with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus into stunning appetizers by serving on toasted crostini, or pile everything onto a bed of creamy risotto for special occasions. You can even swirl it through cooked pasta for an ultra-quick scampi-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just be sure not to leave cooked shrimp at room temperature for too long.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp and asparagus together, keep in mind that the asparagus might lose a bit of its crisp texture after thawing. If you do freeze, cool the dish completely first, then freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter. Shrimp can turn rubbery if overcooked, so reheat just until warmed through—avoid microwaving if possible for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What’s the best way to trim asparagus?

The easiest method is to snap off the woody ends. Hold each stalk and bend gently; it will naturally break where the tender part meets the tough end, ensuring you’re left with perfectly tender asparagus for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus.

Can I substitute another vegetable?

Of course! Broccolini, sugar snap peas, or even green beans work well if you’re out of asparagus or want to mix things up. Just adjust the cooking time based on how crisp you want your veggies.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Lowering the heat and stirring constantly once the garlic hits the pan helps preserve its sweet, mellow flavor. Burnt garlic can overpower the whole dish, so keep a close eye and don’t rush this step.

Is this dish spicy?

By default, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is mild and packed with flavor. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick or leave them out for a family-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus for yourself. It’s the sort of meal that turns everyday ingredients into pure magic with minimal effort—fresh, garlicky, buttery, and genuinely satisfying. Give it a go tonight and let it become your new weeknight favorite!

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