Easy Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry
Easy Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dinner that combines tender shrimp with crisp asparagus in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy one-pan meal offers protein and vegetables in perfect harmony, ideal for busy weeknights or light satisfying meals.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using tamari)
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any high smoke point oil)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse and trim the asparagus, peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed. Mince garlic and ginger, and slice green onions to have all components ready for quick stir frying.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Asparagus: In the same pan, add sesame oil. Toss in garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add asparagus and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender but still bright green.
- Combine and Season: Return shrimp to the pan and pour in soy sauce and honey (or brown sugar). Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the shrimp and asparagus in the glossy sauce. Cook for another minute until heated through.
- Finish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp and asparagus in batches if needed for proper searing and crispness.
- Use high heat to ensure quick cooking and better caramelization without sogginess.
- Prep all ingredients in advance to speed up cooking and avoid burning.
- Fresh shrimp and asparagus yield the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the amount of honey and soy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp tender.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: shrimp stir fry, asparagus stir fry, quick dinner, healthy stir fry, gluten free dinner, easy shrimp recipe