This colorful shrimp and asparagus stir fry is not only quick to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients! The tender shrimp and crisp asparagus come together beautifully in a light sauce.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dish on a busy night. Just toss everything in the pan, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s healthy and satisfying! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are fantastic for this dish. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use frozen shrimp; just thaw them beforehand. For a vegetarian option, you could use tofu or tempeh instead, though the cooking time will vary.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus provides a nice crunch. If it’s out of season or not available, consider using snap peas, broccoli, or even bell peppers for an alternative veggie that works well in stir-fries.
Garlic and Ginger: These two bring a lot of flavor. If you’re out of fresh ginger, ground ginger is a decent substitute, but use less. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic really makes a difference!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps this dish lighter. You can swap it for tamari if you’re gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free option. It’s a bit sweeter, which can be nice!
Honey or Maple Syrup: I love honey for its flavor, but maple syrup also works great if you’re vegan. Just keep the sweetness to your taste!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Stir Fry?
Stir frying is all about speed and high heat. Here’s how to get it right:
- Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This means peeling, deveining shrimp, and cutting veggies. Once you begin, everything cooks fast!
- Use a hot skillet or wok and keep it hot. This sears the shrimp and keeps your veggies crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp or veggies in batches if needed to keep the heat up. Otherwise, you’ll end up steaming rather than stir-frying.
- Keep stirring or tossing frequently so that everything cooks evenly and nothing burns. A spatula or tongs can help.
- Add the sauce at the end to coat everything and avoid sogginess. A quick toss together ensures every bite is flavorful!
Follow these tips, and your stir-fry will turn out delicious every time!
Easy Healthy Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy stir fry will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at around 25 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk them together until well mixed and set this flavorful sauce aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until they’re fragrant (be careful not to burn them!).
4. Stir-Fry the Asparagus:
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet, stirring quickly to combine. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still has a nice crunch.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and asparagus. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve your stir fry immediately, and if you’d like, serve it over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy shrimp and asparagus stir fry! It’s a great way to eat well without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To do this, place them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If you’re not a fan of asparagus, other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers work great in this stir fry. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since some veggies may cook faster than asparagus.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quicker dinner. Just store everything separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before serving to keep the shrimp and veggies fresh and crisp!
