Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Asparagus
Here's a one-pan meal that merges two classic cooking methods: pan-searing juicy shrimp in garlic butter and flash steaming tender-crisp asparagus. The result is a straightforward, satisfying dish that's both flavorful and good for you.
In culinary circles, the art of pan-searing—browning food in a hot pan—has been elevated to near-mythical status. We've spent years experimenting with different techniques to achieve the perfect sear. And while there's no one definitive answer, we've learned that the following steps are essential: 1. **Use a heavy-bottomed pan**: This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent hotspots that can burn your food. 2. **Get the pan nice and hot**: This will help create a flavorful crust on your food. 3. **Don't overcrowd the pan**: If you do, your food will steam instead of sear. 4. **Flip your food only once**: Flipping too often can prevent a proper crust from forming. In this recipe, we apply these principles to shrimp, a seafood that's delicate yet flavorful. We start by searing the shrimp in a combination of olive oil and butter, then add garlic and lemon zest for a burst of flavor. Finally, we add asparagus to the pan and steam it until tender-crisp. The result is a dish that's both satisfying and good for you.
Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Asparagus Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Asparagus Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Asparagus Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Asparagus
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
  6. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The combination of olive oil and butter creates a flavorful base for searing the shrimp.
  • Adding garlic and lemon zest to the butter infuses the shrimp with a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Steaming the asparagus in the same pan as the shrimp ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its nutrients.
  • Adding parsley at the end of cooking brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.