Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The bright lemon sauce pairs perfectly with the shrimp and asparagus, making every bite fresh and vibrant.
- Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want a wholesome meal.
- Healthy: Packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from asparagus, this dish is light yet satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed and cut into 2-3 inch pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the sauce. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. The shrimp should be pink and opaque but slightly undercooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the asparagus and cook until it’s tender-crisp and bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and add the ginger and garlic. Stir well and cook for another 30-45 seconds.
- Pour the lemon sauce into the pan with the asparagus and add the shrimp back in. Stir to coat everything with the sauce. Let it simmer for 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 3-4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir fry.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Protein: Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock to reduce the sodium content.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce needs to loosen up.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or include some diced chili peppers when cooking the asparagus.
4. Can I use a different sauce instead of the lemon sauce?
Yes, you could substitute with a garlic soy sauce or teriyaki sauce if you prefer different flavors.
5. Can I prepare this in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time to save some minutes during cooking.
6. Can I make this dish with chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, chicken works great in this recipe. Just cook the chicken until it’s fully done before adding the asparagus.
7. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender.
8. Can I use a non-stick pan for this stir fry?
Yes, a non-stick pan will work just fine for this recipe and may reduce the need for extra oil.
9. Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free.
10. Can I serve this dish over rice or noodles?
Yes, this stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry with Lemon Sauce is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of spring’s fresh produce right to your table. With its tangy lemon sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp asparagus, it’s a quick meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light weekend dinner!
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Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry with Lemon Sauce
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- Author: Chef Sara
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry with Lemon Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a bright, tangy lemon sauce, this easy stir fry is packed with protein and fresh flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed, cut into 2–3 inch pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add ginger and garlic, stirring for another 30-45 seconds.
- Pour the lemon sauce into the pan, then add the shrimp back in. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
- Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired