Craving a restaurant-worthy meal that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Asian cuisine haven with this mouthwatering Stir Fried Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic Sauce! In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a dish that's bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to elevate your skills, or simply someone who loves delicious, quick meals, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superstar.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 bunch of asparagus trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a nice sear when cooking.
- Prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly, trimming the tough ends, and cutting it into 2-3 inch pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well to create the garlic sauce that will flavor the dish.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) to the pan, swirling it to coat the bottom.
- Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Pour the garlic sauce over the shrimp and asparagus. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and asparagus are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your preference.
- Once everything is cooked through and well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the stir-fried shrimp and asparagus hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Stir Fried Shrimp and Asparagus in Garlic Sauce!
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, so mise en place is crucial.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or large skillet and ensure it's hot before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that perfect sear and prevents soggy vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each ingredient gets properly seared and doesn't steam.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from shrimp to get a beautiful golden color and prevent steaming.
- Watch Cooking Times: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. They're done when they turn pink and opaque, usually 3-4 minutes.
- Sesame Oil Tip: Add sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and prevent burning.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add a touch of honey, chili sauce, or ginger to personalize the garlic sauce to your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 433kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 200mg