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The Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Bowl is a delightful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh shrimp and asparagus, creating a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet impressive for dinner, as well as for special occasions when you want to wow your guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Bowl

Discover the delightful flavors of the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Bowl, a quick and nutritious dish perfect for busy nights or impressing guests. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh asparagus, garlic, and zesty lemon, this meal combines health benefits with incredible taste. Ready in just minutes, it's low in calories yet rich in protein and vitamins. Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant and wholesome recipe that's sure to please.

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients:

    - Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set aside.

      - Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces for easy cooking.

        Cook Asparagus:

          - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

            - Once the oil is shimmering, add the asparagus pieces. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.

              - Remove the cooked asparagus from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set aside to keep warm.

                Sauté Garlic and Shrimp:

                  - In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned—this enhances the flavor without bitterness.

                    - Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp have turned pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

                      Add the Zest and Juice:

                        - Once the shrimp are fully cooked, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and mix well to ensure that the shrimp are evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.

                          Combine and Serve:

                            - Gently fold the sautéed asparagus back into the skillet with the shrimp and lemon-garlic sauce. Taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

                              - Serve the zesty lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus mixture over a generous bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                                  - Presentation Tips: For an impressive presentation, serve in shallow bowls, arranging the shrimp and asparagus artistically on top of the rice or quinoa. Garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra pop of color and a citrusy aroma.