Shrimp with Asparagus Stir Fry

Craving a weeknight dinner that's easy, healthy and tasty? Look no further than this Shrimp with Asparagus Stir Fry! Tender shrimp and crisp asparagus, lightly kissed with savory flavors, all coming together in under 30 minutes. This Shrimp with Asparagus Stir Fry is your answer to a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• How to Stir Fry Shrimp with Asparagus (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Shrimp with Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
• More Delicious Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes
• Pin for later!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Light and Healthy - Say goodbye to heavy, greasy stir-fries! This dish is packed with nutritious asparagus and features a minimal, flavorful sauce, making it a fantastic healthy option.
• Quick and Easy! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it's ready in under 30 mins!
• Fresh, Simple Flavors - Just a few ingredients come together for a delicious, satisfying dish.

About the Ingredients

Here's some info about the ingredients that may be helpful!

Shrimp

Shrimp is an awesome lean protein! And any type of shrimp works, but personally I only use wild caught shrimp for the best flavor and quality.

I discovered a while ago that I'm actually allergic to farm raised shrimp! Before I learned this, I was wondering why sometimes I would break out in hives and sometimes not. I used to think it was mosquito bites!

When I figured out it was shrimp, I also couldn't figure out why it was not every time I had shrimp. Finally after years and years I discovered it was only farm raised shrimp and did some research on them.

I learned that many farm-raised shrimp operations are crowded, unsanitary, and heavily treated with chemicals, including antibiotics and pesticides (some of which are banned in the U.S.). In some imported shrimp, testing has even found traces of Salmonella and E. coli.

Asparagus

Asparagus adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the dish. It's packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K-plus, it's low in calories. Look for bright green stalks that are firm to the touch.

Before cooking, you'll want to prepare the asparagus. Snap off the tough, woody ends (they usually break naturally where the stalk becomes tender). Then, cut the remaining stalks into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long, for even cooking in the stir-fry.

Garlic

A little minced garlic goes a long way in this stir fry. It adds depth and aroma that ties everything together.

But outside it's delicious flavor, it is also incredibly healthy! It's got some amazing immune boosting properties. When I feel like I'm getting sick, I always make a veggie chicken broth soup with tons of garlic so I can get well super fast!

Rice Cooking Wine (Michiu)

This adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the shrimp marinade. If you don't have michiu, you can substitute with Shaoxing wine or even dry sherry in a pinch.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps the shrimp develop a slightly crisp texture when stir-fried and also locks in moisture. It's a common technique in Chinese cooking called "velveting."

Velveting basically involves marinating meat (ex: beef, chicken, shrimp, etc.) in an mixture to make it more tender and help it retain moisture while cooking. The mixture can include cornstarch, baking soda, egg whites, oil, vinegar, or rice wine. It also creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture and prevents the meat from drying out and becoming too tough.

While it is true that when it comes to marinating, the longer is better, even if you marinade for at least 15 minutes you will see and taste a difference!

Salt & Oil

Basic pantry staples, but essential! I recommend a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or vegetable oil.

Stir fries actually do not require a lot of oil, so this is also much healthier than outside takeout's where they add way too much oil.

How to Stir Fry Shrimp with Asparagus (Step by Step)

It's pretty easy! I'll show you how. By the way the photos are displaying less shrimp and asparagus than the recipes I provided below because I was only serving like 2 people. The recipe below serves about 4 people.

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons michiu / rice cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon cooking oil  
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces  
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt, as desired

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the cornstarch, rice cooking wine (michiu), and 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to coat evenly and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and creates a nice texture when cooked.

Heat the Pan and Cook Shrimp: Place a large cooking pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, if possible (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry the shrimp for about 30 seconds on each side, until they turn pink and are almost cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Asparagus: If the pan appears dry, add another 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the prepared asparagus to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until it turns a vibrant bright green and is tender-crisp.

Combine and Finish: Return the partially cooked shrimp to the pan with the asparagus. Add the minced garlic and season with additional salt to your taste. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.

Serve: Remove the Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry from the heat and serve immediately.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended - shrimp becomes rubbery and asparagus mushy after thawing.
• Reheat:
  • Stovetop (best): Add a splash of oil to a skillet and stir fry on medium heat until just heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat in very short bursts (20-30 seconds), stirring in between, to avoid overcooking shrimp.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw, peel, and devein before marinating. Pat dry so the shrimp stir fry properly.

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but I do not recommend it as it will release extra water and be softer. For best results, use fresh asparagus.

What's the best oil for stir fry?
Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

Can I make this ahead?
The shrimp are best fresh, but you can prep the asparagus and marinate the shrimp ahead, then cook everything right before serving.

More Delicious Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes

• Another super tasty shrimp with veggie stir fry is this Shrimp Bok Choy Stir Fry! Enjoy tender marinated shrimp stir-fried with thinly sliced ginger and nutritious bok choy. This dish is a light yet satisfying seafood option that's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
• Get ready for a burst of freshness and satisfying crunch! This Shrimp Snap Peas Stir Fry features perfectly cooked shrimp alongside vibrant and crisp snap peas. It's a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the savory shrimp.
• Did you know you can stir fry cucumbers? Try it! This Shrimp Cucumber Stir Fry features juicy marinated shrimp paired with chunks of crunchy cucumber and fragrant garlic for a uniquely refreshing and quick meal. It's a fantastic option when you want something different and not too heavy.
• Make it a meal with this Shrimp Noodles Stir Fry! The dish combines tender marinated shrimp with garlic, crisp cabbage, and satisfying noodles, all tossed in a tasty sauce. It's a complete and easy meal that's both yummy and filling - a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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