Quick & Healthy Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
A delightful Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry recipe that feels incredibly fresh and healthy, yet comes together in under 20 minutes. Packed with vibrant colors, tender shrimp, crisp-tender veggies, and a simple, bright sauce, this dish is your new weeknight hero.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- wok optional
Ingredients
Hauptzutaten
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, medium or large
- 1 bunch asparagus woody ends snapped off, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced button or cremini
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or other cooking oil for stir-frying (like avocado or vegetable oil)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh is best
Instructions
- Get Your Pan Hot: Grab a large skillet or a wok if you have one. Set it over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You want the oil to shimmer a bit, indicating it's hot enough to stir-fry properly.
- Add the Garlic: Toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds. Watch it closely – you want it to smell wonderfully fragrant, but not turn brown and burn.
- Cook the Shrimp: Now, add your beautiful peeled shrimp, along with the salt and pepper. Stir-fry for just 2-3 minutes. Shrimp cook super fast! You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcook them, or they'll get tough.
- Introduce the Veggies: Add the chopped asparagus and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the shrimp. Keep stirring! Cook for another 3-5 minutes. You're looking for the asparagus to turn bright green and become tender-crisp – still a little bite to it is perfect!
- Pour in the Sauce: Time for the flavor! Pour in the soy sauce and the fresh lemon juice.
- Finish It Up: Give everything a good stir to coat the shrimp and veggies in that delicious sauce. Cook for just another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
- Serve Hot: That's it! Your quick and healthy dinner is ready. Serve it up right away.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Prep Everything First: Stir-fries cook fast! Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start heating the pan. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Hot Pan is Key: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. This helps things sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Don't Overcrowd: If you're doubling the recipe or using a smaller pan, you might need to cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and make your veggies soggy instead of crisp-tender.
- Watch the Shrimp: Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery very quickly. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the pan if they're done before the veggies, then add them back at the end. How to Store It:
If you happen to have any leftovers, allow the stir-fry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp.
- Prep Everything First: Stir-fries cook fast! Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start heating the pan. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Hot Pan is Key: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. This helps things sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Don't Overcrowd: If you're doubling the recipe or using a smaller pan, you might need to cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and make your veggies soggy instead of crisp-tender.
- Watch the Shrimp: Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery very quickly. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the pan if they're done before the veggies, then add them back at the end. How to Store It:
If you happen to have any leftovers, allow the stir-fry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp.