Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry is Quite A Special Dish
Living in an area where asparagus grows naturally is a real treat. There's something rewarding about foraging for asparagus or picking it up fresh from local farmers. This versatile vegetable pairs so well with shrimp, creating an elevated meal that’s simple yet impressive. Shrimp and asparagus stir-fry is one of those dishes that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve guests. The flavors are brightened by a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, and it’s great when served over rice for a balanced meal.
Did You Know?
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein and is low in calories and fat. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. Asparagus, on the other hand, is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber. Combining shrimp and asparagus in a stir-fry creates a light and nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare. The addition of a zesty garlic-lemon sauce enhances the flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Personal Tip: Be sure not to overcrowd the shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Personal Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they continue cooking slightly once removed from the heat.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Personal Tip: A hot skillet ensures that the vegetables maintain a crisp texture, enhancing the stir-fry's freshness.
Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the asparagus and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Personal Tip: Don’t overcook the asparagus; keep it tender-crisp for the best flavor.
Combine Shrimp and Vegetables:
Return the shrimp to the skillet.
Personal Tip: For a richer flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth before adding the shrimp back.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and asparagus, and stir to coat evenly.
Personal Tip: Add a bit of honey if you prefer a sweeter stir-fry.
Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Personal Tip: Stir constantly while the sauce thickens to prevent lumps.
Serve:
Serve the Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles.
Personal Tip: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 230 | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 20g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Bulk Buying: Purchase shrimp, soy sauce, and chicken broth in bulk. These pantry staples have a long shelf life and can be used in various recipes, reducing costs in the long run.
- Versatile Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to make this dish more affordable. Asparagus is often cheaper when in season and can be bought in larger quantities.
- Homemade Sauces: Make your own stir-fry sauces at home to control the ingredients and flavors. Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a sweetener like honey make a great basic stir-fry sauce.
- Shrimp Storage: Shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Buy shrimp in bulk when on sale and portion them for freezing.
- Energy Efficiency: Cook large batches of stir-fry and store them for quick meals throughout the week. This saves energy and makes meal prep more efficient.
- Reusable Containers: Store leftovers in reusable containers to keep food fresh longer and reduce environmental impact.
- Affordable Protein: Shrimp is a cost-effective protein compared to seafood like lobster or crab. It’s also versatile and can be used in various dishes.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of citrus juice, like lime or lemon, to brighten the flavors of your stir-fry. Fresh herbs can also add a refreshing touch.
- Learning and Sharing: Join online stir-fry communities for recipe ideas. Sharing your experiences can help others while fostering a sense of community.
- Creative Presentations: Garnish your stir-fry with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal.
Let's Learn About Shrimp - What Does Peeled and Deveined Mean?
Shrimp are a popular seafood delicacy enjoyed around the world, but not everyone knows what terms like "peeled" and "deveined" mean.
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Peeled: This refers to the removal of the shrimp’s outer shell, which protects the shrimp in its natural environment. While the shell can be cooked and eaten (and is sometimes left on for flavor in dishes like grilled shrimp), it is often removed to make eating the shrimp easier and to enhance the texture of the dish.
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Deveined: Shrimp have a thin, dark digestive tract running along their back, often referred to as the "vein." Deveining is the process of removing this tract, which may contain sand and grit. Although eating the vein isn’t harmful, many people prefer to remove it for better texture and appearance. A small incision is made along the back of the shrimp, and the vein is pulled out, leaving the shrimp ready for cooking.
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Shrimp Cooking Transformation: Shrimp change dramatically when cooked. Raw shrimp are typically grey or translucent but turn pink or orange once they’re cooked due to a reaction that causes the pigments in their shells to become more vibrant.
Shrimp are versatile and quick to cook, making them an excellent choice for various recipes, from stir-fries to pasta dishes. Their ease of preparation and high protein content make them a nutritious and delicious option for seafood lovers.