The vibrant colors of fresh asparagus and succulent shrimp sizzle in the skillet, igniting a symphony of aromas that fills my kitchen. One late afternoon, after a long week of fast food takeout, I craved something refreshing yet packed with flavor. That’s when I decided to whip up this Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet—a delightful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to savor.
In just 20 minutes, this recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into an impressive meal that comes alive with zesty lemon and smoky seasoning. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a satisfying weeknight feast, this dish delivers on flavor and ease, proving that gourmet dining can easily be achieved at home. Trust me; this bright and delightful meal will become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Why You'll Love This Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet
- This Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet is a breeze to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- The combination of smoky seasoning and fresh lemon gives it an unbeatable flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its vibrant colors make for an eye-catching presentation, perfect for impressing guests or beautifying your dining table.
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides or stand alone as a satisfying meal in itself.
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet Ingredients
• Get ready to explore the delicious ingredients that make this dish shine!
For the Shrimp
- Large shrimp – peeled and deveined to ensure quick cooking and rich flavor.
- Blackening seasoning – adds a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the dish.
For the Asparagus
- Asparagus – trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for even cooking and delightful crunch.
- Garlic – minced to infuse the skillet with aromatic goodness.
For Cooking
- Olive oil – a key player to add richness, use the best quality for deeper flavor.
- Salt and pepper – season to taste for a balanced flavor profile.
For Garnish
- Lemon – zested and juiced to brighten the dish and enhance the blackened shrimp.
- Fresh parsley – chopped to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes to finish your Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet
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Toss the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the blackening seasoning. Mix well until each shrimp is evenly coated and set aside.
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Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat up for about a minute until shimmering, which ensures a perfect sear.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This is where the magic happens!
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Remove the Shrimp: Gently take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate to keep warm while you prepare the asparagus.
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Sauté the Asparagus: In the same skillet, toss in the trimmed asparagus and cook for about 4–5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are tender yet still crisp, giving off a bright green hue.
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Add Aromatics: Sprinkle in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. These delightful flavors will elevate the dish to new heights!
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Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine and heat everything through for 1–2 minutes more.
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Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the colorful, flavorful dish you’ve created!
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blackening seasoning for a fiery flavor boost that will awaken your taste buds.
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Veggie Medley: Swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini alongside the asparagus for a colorful and nutritious twist.
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Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a subtle coconut flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully—perfect for a tropical vibe.
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Quinoa Base: Serve the shrimp and asparagus over a bed of fluffy quinoa instead of alone for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
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Pineapple Salsa: Top with a fresh pineapple salsa to add a sweet and tangy contrast, balancing the smoky flavors of the blackened seasoning.
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Garlic Butter: For an indulgent touch, drizzle some melted garlic butter over the finished dish—it adds richness that enhances every bite!
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Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or dill as a garnish instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.
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Lemon Pepper: Replace the lemon zest and juice with lemon pepper seasoning for a quick alternative that still brings a zingy flavor element.
What to Serve with Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this vibrant dish with sides that complement its bold flavors and delightful textures.
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Creamy Polenta: The smooth, rich texture of polenta perfectly balances the spicy kick of the shrimp while adding comfort to your meal.
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Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery, this bread is perfect for soaking up the zesty lemon sauce. The garlicky aroma will fill your home enticingly.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, letting the shrimp and asparagus shine.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the smoky shrimp. Their creamy interior complements the dish’s crisp elements.
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Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy, cauliflower rice adds a healthy twist while soaking up the fantastic flavors of the seasoning and lemon.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish with a crisp finish, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the blackened shrimp, offering a tropical twist.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light, refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and echoes the bright notes of your main dish beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet
Fridge: Store leftover Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe bag, removing air. This dish can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. You may add a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy leftovers as a quick lunch or light dinner, pairing it with fresh salad or over rice to keep it vibrant and flavorful!
Make Ahead Options
These Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the shrimp with olive oil and blackening seasoning up to 24 hours in advance—just be sure to refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture. The asparagus can also be trimmed and cut into pieces ahead of time, allowing for a quick sauté when you’re ready to cook. When you want to enjoy this delicious meal, simply sauté the asparagus, add the garlic, and then return the prepped shrimp to the skillet. Finish with lemon juice and zest, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve in minutes!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked in the Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet, make sure they are evenly coated with the blackening seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the shrimp as it can lower the temperature and result in steaming rather than searing.
- When sautéing asparagus, keep an eye on them to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture; they should be tender but with a slight bite.
- Always zest the lemon before juicing it, as it allows you to capture the oils and flavor from the skin without any bitterness.
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work wonderfully, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can store your leftover Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze this dish? How should I do it?
Very! To freeze your Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What if my asparagus turns mushy while cooking?
Don’t worry! If your asparagus turns mushy, it could be due to overcooking. To ensure they remain crisp, keep an eye on them while sautéing. You’re aiming for about 4–5 minutes of cooking time—just until tender but still vibrant green. If you find them already mushy, they can still be delicious tossed into salads or pureed for soups!
Is this dish suitable for people with shellfish allergies or dietary restrictions?
Good question! This Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet is not suitable for those with shellfish allergies. However, you can easily modify the recipe by substituting shrimp with chicken or firm tofu for a delightful, allergen-friendly alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken might take a bit longer to cook through compared to shrimp.
How can I enhance the flavor even more?
Feel free to get creative! Adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving can elevate the dish further. Also, fresh herbs like basil or dill can make a lovely addition that complements the shrimp and asparagus beautifully!
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Method
- In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the blackening seasoning. Mix well until each shrimp is evenly coated and set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat up for about a minute until shimmering.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Gently take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, toss in the trimmed asparagus and cook for about 4–5 minutes until tender yet still crisp.
- Sprinkle in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the asparagus. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
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