Imagine a dinner that's not only incredibly delicious but also ridiculously easy to prepare - welcome to the world of Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus! This recipe is about to revolutionize your weeknight cooking, transforming ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who wants a healthy and quick dinner solution, this recipe is your culinary superhero waiting to save your mealtime.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your shrimp and asparagus cook evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them if not already done. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends. You can do this by gently bending the stalk until it naturally breaks. This will help ensure you’re using the tender part of the asparagus.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp and asparagus. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp and asparagus are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread the shrimp and asparagus mixture in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, transfer the shrimp and asparagus to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your delicious sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they get a perfect golden sear and don't become watery.
- Don't overcrowd the sheet pan - give your ingredients space to roast properly, which helps achieve that delightful caramelization.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and artificial.
- Watch your cooking time carefully - shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. The moment they turn pink and opaque, they're ready!
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or zesting some lemon into the olive oil mixture for a more complex taste profile.
- If you prefer a bit more char on your asparagus, broil the sheet pan for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
