Description
This vibrant Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus dish is a quick, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired main course. Tender shrimp and crisp asparagus are sautéed with fragrant garlic and bright Meyer lemon zest and juice, then finished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a light dinner or a weekend gathering, it pairs well with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Condiments & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- zest and juice of 1 Meyer lemon
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Asparagus: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus turns bright green and is just tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic and Cook Until Fragrant: Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Meyer Lemon Zest and Juice: Pour the zest and juice of 1 Meyer lemon over the shrimp and asparagus. Toss everything gently to coat well and cook for an additional 1 minute to enhance flavor and heat through.
- Finish and Serve with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately, optionally over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it a more filling meal.
- Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart than regular lemons. If substituting, use slightly less juice from a standard lemon to avoid overpowering acidity.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to taste, or omit for a milder dish.
- This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, suitable for pescatarian diets.
