If you’re craving a vibrant, deliciously quick dinner that bursts with flavor and color, the Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with crisp asparagus tossed in a luscious sauce that balances savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. It’s so satisfying and perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a fuss-free meal that looks gourmet but feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh ingredients. Each element plays a role—from the tender shrimp adding protein and umami, to the asparagus bringing a delightful crunch and vibrant green color, all tied together with a sauce that sings with ginger and garlic.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture and easy eating.
- 1 bunch asparagus: Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Used for stir-frying to get that perfect sear without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory backbone to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced): Brings a bright, zesty warmth that livens up the stir fry.
- 3 green onions (sliced): For a fresh, mild onion crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, savory base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich depth and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a gentle tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: To create that perfect sweet counterpoint.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a warm, nutty aroma that really elevates the dish.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want just a little heat to wake up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): Perfect if you like your sauce thicker and glossy.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a toasty crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Setting this aside early helps the flavors meld and makes the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Removing them from the pan now prevents overcooking later on and keeps them juicy.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Asparagus and Aromatics
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the asparagus and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s tender-crisp—this keeps it vibrant in texture and color. Then add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced green onions, cooking for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.
Step 4: Combine Everything with the Sauce
Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in your prepped sauce. Stir everything thoroughly so the shrimp and veggies are coated in that glossy, flavorful mixture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, now is the time to stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until the sauce becomes irresistibly shiny and coats every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Ready to Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an inviting crunch and nutty flavor. Your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this dish quite like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If you want to amp up the freshness, a few more sliced green onions or a wedge of lime served on the side adds a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that wonderful sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside simple garlic noodles to keep things light but still satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also serve this dish as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun handheld twist. Or toss it with chilled noodles and a dash of extra sesame oil for a warm or room-temperature salad-style meal that’s perfect for warmer days or as a packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a great next-day meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well, though asparagus may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the stir fry completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the shrimp and asparagus. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture that can steam the shrimp instead of searing them properly.
What can I substitute for asparagus?
Great question! Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make excellent swaps if asparagus isn’t your favorite or is out of season. They all add their unique crunch and fresh flavors to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat, but feel free to skip them or increase the amount depending on your spice preference. The dish is very adaptable!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute tofu or tempeh for shrimp and use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mushroom-based sauce alternative to keep it plant-based while still full of flavor.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, it’s about 25 minutes—the perfect quick dinner for busy days, with only 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. Perfect for weekday meals!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a wonderful harmony of fresh ingredients, quick cooking, and flavors that burst with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends and family, this dish is destined to become a new favorite you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant taste and effortless satisfaction it brings to your table!
Print
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp and crisp asparagus in a savory sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings to make a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry the asparagus and aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the asparagus pieces for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Then, add the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and sliced green onions, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour in the reserved sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. For a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the shrimp and vegetables well.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve the stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute asparagus with broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for variety.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of soy sauce and honey in the sauce mixture.
- This recipe cooks very quickly, so ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before beginning to cook.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles according to your preference to make a fuller meal.
