Introduction
Hey there, fellow home cooks! Are you looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, but comes together in a flash? I totally get it – busy weeknights call for delicious, stress-free solutions. That’s why I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite **shrimp and asparagus stir fry** recipe with you! In just 20 minutes, you can have a vibrant, flavorful dish on your table that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. No fuss, just pure weeknight joy!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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- Ensures succulent shrimp every time, never rubbery!
- Perfectly tender-crisp asparagus, vibrant and full of flavor.
- A foolproof method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Versatile for various dietary needs and easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- A healthy weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or speed.
Before You Cook: Essential Tips for Your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
Guide the reader through important pre-cooking considerations to ensure the best results for their stir fry.
Choosing Your Ingredients
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Quick Prep: Deveining Shrimp & Trimming Asparagus
Explain the best and quickest ways to devein shrimp and properly trim the woody ends of asparagus, saving readers time and effort.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb asparagus, ends trimmed, halved crosswise
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to Make the Best Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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- In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and season with ½ teaspoon of salt and the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the shrimp is pink, 2–3 minutes, then remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the asparagus, garlic, ginger, and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and cook, tossing frequently, until the asparagus is tender-crisp, 4–5 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, then add the soy sauce. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined. Stir in the lemon juice, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the stir-fry hot.
- Enjoy!
Tips for Success: Achieving the Perfect Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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The Art of Stir-Frying
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Avoiding Rubbery Shrimp
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Perfectly Tender-Crisp Asparagus
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Elevating Your Stir-Fry Sauce
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Variations & Substitutions for Your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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| Ingredient | Substitution/Variation | Dietary Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Tamari, Coconut Aminos | Gluten-Free, Paleo, Whole30 |
| Asparagus | Broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, green beans | Different vegetables, seasonal variations |
| Shrimp | Chicken breast (sliced), firm tofu (pressed & cubed) | Protein swap, Vegetarian/Vegan option |
| Olive Oil | Avocado oil, sesame oil (for flavor) | Different healthy fats |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | Sriracha, fresh chili, omit | Spice level adjustment |
Serving Suggestions for Your Stir Fry
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Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
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Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with ½ teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes, then cook for 2-3 minutes until pink before removing and setting aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add asparagus, garlic, ginger, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, then cook, tossing frequently, for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine all ingredients well. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the shrimp and asparagus stir-fry immediately while hot.
