🦐🥢 Stir-Fried Asparagus with Shrimp
Description:
This vibrant stir-fry combines sweet, succulent shrimp, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms in a light yet flavorful sauce. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something fresh, healthy, and satisfying.
📋 Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
🥣 Instructions
- Prep the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until smooth and set aside. - Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Toss in garlic and cook for 10–15 seconds until fragrant. Add asparagus and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. - Combine Everything:
Return shrimp to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and sauce slightly thickens. - Serve:
Plate hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
💡 Notes
- Shrimp Size: Large shrimp (21–25 count) work best — they stay juicy and plump after cooking.
- Asparagus Tip: Snap the woody ends off before cutting to ensure tenderness.
- Mushroom Choice: White button, cremini, or shiitake all work well — shiitake gives more umami depth.
- Sauce Thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch to 1½ teaspoons.
🔥 Tips
- Use a very hot wok or skillet for the best stir-fry texture.
- Cut asparagus and shrimp into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add a few slices of fresh chili or a dash of chili oil if you like it spicy.
- For extra freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice before serving.
🍽 Servings
Serves: 3–4 as a main dish with rice, 4–5 as part of a multi-dish meal.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving — 4 servings)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
(Varies depending on oil type and serving size.)
🌟 Benefits
- High Protein & Low Carb: Great for lean muscle support and weight management.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Asparagus and mushrooms provide vitamins A, C, E, and selenium.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners in under 20 minutes.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, and earthy notes come together beautifully.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, but shrimp tastes best fresh. You can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead, then cook everything just before serving.
Q: Can I substitute the shrimp?
A: Absolutely — chicken breast, scallops, or firm tofu work well.
Q: Can I skip the oyster sauce?
A: Yes — replace with extra soy sauce and a splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce for depth.
Q: How do I keep the asparagus green and crisp?
A: Cook over high heat and don’t overcook — remove from heat once bright green and slightly tender.