sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus

Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Spread the love

As the sun sets, there’s nothing better than a delicious meal to gather the family. This easy sheet pan dish is perfect. It’s full of color, aroma, and fresh seafood. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why This One-Pan Meal Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? This one-pan meal is perfect. It features tender-crisp oven-baked shrimp and asparagus in a tasty garlic butter sauce. It’s made with just five ingredients and ready in 20 minutes.

This one-pan meal combines succulent shrimp and crisp asparagus. They’re baked together on a single sheet pan. This creates a balanced dish that’s great on its own or with brown rice or quinoa.

The garlic butter sauce makes this recipe special. It’s made with melted butter, fresh garlic, and lemon juice. This sauce adds flavor to the shrimp and asparagus, enhancing their natural tastes.

“This one-pan meal has become a weekly staple in our household. It’s so easy to prepare, and the flavors are simply out of this world.” – Sarah, Busy Mom

This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and delicious. It’s perfect for a light dinner or a satisfying meal. The oven-baked shrimp and asparagus with garlic butter sauce is always a hit.

Essential Ingredients for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

You need a few key ingredients to make a tasty lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus sheet pan meal. The dish starts with fresh, high-quality shrimp and crisp, tender asparagus. It also needs aromatic seasonings and zesty citrus notes.

Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp Options

You can choose fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp taste sweet and vibrant, while frozen shrimp are convenient and affordable. Choose medium-sized shrimp, about 8 to 10 per pound, for even cooking and texture.

Selecting and Preparing Asparagus

Asparagus pairs well with lemon garlic shrimp. Look for firm, straight spears with tight tips. Trim the woody ends for tenderness. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces to match the shrimp size.

Key Seasonings and Aromatics

  • Freshly minced garlic adds savory depth
  • Lemon zest and juice bring a bright, citrusy flavor
  • Butter makes a rich, velvety sauce with lemon and garlic
  • Olive oil roasts the shrimp and asparagus
  • Salt and pepper season the ingredients
  • Paprika adds a hint of warmth and color
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, lime juice, or sesame oil for extra flavor

By choosing and preparing these ingredients carefully, you’ll make a delicious lemon zest seasoning and asparagus side dish. It will surely please your taste buds.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the tasty sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus dish, you need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy one-pan meal:

  • A rimmed 9×12-inch baking pan or large-rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet
  • Cooking spray to prevent sticking
  • A small bowl for mixing the seasoning ingredients
  • A whisk to blend the garlic butter sauce

The key tool is a rimmed baking sheet. It helps the shrimp and asparagus cook evenly. Parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easy, and cooking spray stops food from sticking. You’ll also need a small bowl and whisk for the garlic butter sauce.

With these tools ready, you’re set to make a delicious and effortless sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Getting ready for the perfect Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Oven-Baked Shrimp and Asparagus is easy. Follow this simple guide to make this tasty one-pan meal.

Preparing the Sheet Pan

Start by covering a large baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleaning up a snap and helps the oven-baked shrimp and veggies come out easily. Lightly spray the sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Seasoning the Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix the asparagus spears with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the asparagus is well coated with the seasonings.

Then, add the raw shrimp to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly.

Proper Arrangement Techniques

  • Place the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the sheet pan.
  • Put the seasoned shrimp next to the asparagus, also in a single layer.
  • Dot the top of the shrimp and asparagus with small butter cubes. These will melt and make a tasty garlic butter sauce while baking.

Now that the sheet pan is prepped and the ingredients are seasoned, your Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Oven-Baked Shrimp and Asparagus is ready for the oven.

Perfect Cooking Temperature and Timing

To get the perfect texture and flavor, it’s key to cook your sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp, and asparagus just right. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will make the asparagus tender-crisp and the shrimp juicy and opaque.

Begin by baking the asparagus for about 6 minutes. This initial roast helps the asparagus cook perfectly. Then, add the marinated shrimp and bake for another 6 to 9 minutes. The total cooking time is 12 to 15 minutes, depending on shrimp size.

Watch the dish closely during the last minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and start to curl. Don’t overcook them to avoid rubbery texture. This simple method makes a delicious lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus dish quickly!

IngredientQuantityNutrition Facts (per serving)
Shrimp1 lb (454g)Calories: 230
Fat: 9g (14% DV)
Saturated Fat: 3g (19% DV)
Cholesterol: 194mg (65% DV)
Sodium: 486mg (21% DV)
Carbohydrates: 8g (3% DV)
Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
Sugar: 5g (6% DV)
Protein: 30g (60% DV)
Asparagus1 lb (454g)Calories: 78
Fat: 0.2g (0% DV)
Carbohydrates: 7g (2% DV)
Fiber: 4.2g (15% DV)
Protein: 6g (12% DV)

This dish is healthy and balanced. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and has little fat. Just watch the sodium and adjust seasonings as needed for your diet.

How to Achieve the Best Garlic Butter Sauce

The secret to a delicious garlic butter sauce for your Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is balance. It’s about getting the flavors right and the sauce’s consistency perfect. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a sauce that brings out the shrimp’s sweetness and the asparagus’s earthiness.

Balancing Flavors

To make the perfect garlic butter sauce, start by melting 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. This mix of butter, lemon, and garlic gives the sauce a rich, tangy taste.

Sauce Consistency Tips

  • To get the right consistency, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and asparagus on the sheet pan before baking.
  • After baking, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of sesame oil for extra flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or red pepper flakes to balance the flavors.

By following these steps, you’ll make a garlic butter sauce that matches the lemon zest seasoning on the shrimp and asparagus. This will result in a tasty, harmonious one-pan meal.

Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information

This sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus dish is not just tasty. It’s also packed with nutrients. With about 328 calories per serving, it’s a healthy seafood recipe that’s low in carbs and high in protein.

The jumbo raw shrimp in the dish is a big protein source, with 31 grams per serving. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories328
Total Fat16g
Carbohydrates7g
Protein31g

The mix of protein-rich shrimp and fiber-filled asparagus makes for a nutrient-dense meal. It will keep you full and energized. Whether you’re into healthy seafood recipes or just need a gluten-free option, this dish is a great pick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options

Make your weeknight dinner special with this asparagus side dish. Pair the Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus with different sides and drinks for a full meal.

Complementary Side Dishes

  • Try it over brown rice or quinoa for a meal full of protein.
  • Roast Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes with the shrimp and asparagus.
  • For a heartier meal, toss with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
  • Pair it with a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus, a light white wine is perfect. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is great. Their crisp acidity and citrus flavors match the dish well.

asparagus side dish

“This easy weeknight dinner is a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and the bright lemon-garlic sauce is simply irresistible.”

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoy this meal prep friendly, easy weeknight dinner without worrying about food waste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, use the microwave or oven gently. This keeps the shrimp tender and the asparagus crisp. Avoid overheating to prevent tough shrimp and soggy asparagus.

This dish is best eaten within 2-3 days. But you can easily make more for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners all week.

“The convenience of this sheet pan meal makes it a weeknight staple. Enjoy the leftovers for up to 3 days – just remember to reheat gently to maintain the perfect texture.”

Recipe Variations and Customization Options

This healthy seafood recipe, sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus, is very versatile. It’s a tasty and simple base that you can change to fit your taste and diet.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you like a little more heat, you can make the dish spicier. Just add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a bit more and keep tasting until it’s just right for you.

Seasonal Vegetable Substitutions

  • You can swap asparagus for other veggies like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. This adds a new twist to the dish.
  • Roasting veggies with the shrimp makes them taste amazing. Try different veggies to find your favorite.
  • Adding diced tomatoes or lemon wedges to the pan can also add color and flavor.

Feel free to play with different seasonings, like Old Bay or Cajun spice, to make the sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus even more special.

sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus

“The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level and substitute the vegetables to suit your personal preferences.”

Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Strategies

This meal prep friendly and easy weeknight dinner recipe can be made quicker with a few tricks. Start by using pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. You can also make the seasoning mix ahead of time. This ensures all flavors are ready before cooking.

Begin by cleaning and trimming the asparagus early. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to put the dish together. For a quick side, use precooked and frozen rice or quinoa. It can be reheated in just a few minutes. Lastly, consider doubling the recipe for leftovers or extra portions.

With these tips, you can make this tasty Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus quickly. It’s perfect for a meal prep friendly and easy weeknight dinner.

FAQ

What are the main ingredients in this sheet pan lemon garlic shrimp and asparagus recipe?

The main ingredients are 1.5 pounds of medium shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 pound of fresh asparagus (trimmed), and 4 cloves of minced garlic. You’ll also need lemon juice, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Optional seasonings include crushed red pepper, lime juice, sesame oil, and cilantro for garnish.

How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?

This recipe takes 22-25 minutes. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing and 12-15 minutes cooking. The oven is set to 400°F (200°C).

What equipment is needed to make this one-pan meal?

You’ll need a 9×12-inch baking pan or large rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, and cooking spray. Also, a small bowl for mixing seasonings and a whisk.

How do you prepare the ingredients and assemble the sheet pan?

First, line the baking pan with parchment or foil and grease it. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange it in a single layer. Then, add the seasoned shrimp next to the asparagus and top with cubed butter.

What is the proper cooking technique and timing for this dish?

Bake the asparagus for 6 minutes. Then, add the shrimp and cook for another 6 minutes. This makes the shrimp opaque in 12-15 minutes total.

How do you make the garlic butter sauce for this recipe?

Mix melted butter, olive oil, salt, crushed red pepper, and lime juice for the garlic butter sauce. Drizzle it over the ingredients before baking. Add lemon juice and sesame oil after cooking to enhance the flavors.

What are the nutritional benefits and dietary considerations of this dish?

This dish has 238-300 calories per serving. It has 16-17g of fat, 7g of carbs, and 18-31g of protein. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. It’s also gluten-free.

How can this dish be served and paired with other foods?

Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a full meal. It goes well with a light white wine. Add garnishes like crushed red pepper or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the shrimp tender.

Can this recipe be customized or varied in any way?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level with more or less crushed red pepper. Try substituting asparagus with broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. Use different seasoning blends like Old Bay or Cajun spice mix.

What are some time-saving tips and meal prep strategies for this dish?

Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. Prepare the seasoning mix ahead and clean the asparagus early. Use precooked rice or quinoa for a quick side. Double the recipe for leftovers or meal prep.

Similar Posts