If you’re craving a vibrant, quick, and utterly delicious meal, this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It balances tender, juicy shrimp with crisp asparagus, all tossed in a garlicky, mildly spicy sauce that highlights fresh ginger and oyster sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive last-minute treat, this dish bursts with color, texture, and incredible flavor in just about 20 minutes. You’ll be stunned at how such simple ingredients come together to make something this spectacularly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role, making the dish bright, flavorful, and texturally perfect. From the rich avocado oil to the fresh aromatics and the luscious oyster sauce, these components create a harmonious medley that’s as delightful to the palate as it is to the eyes.
- 2½ tablespoons avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle, buttery richness to your stir fry.
- 1 pound 16/20 count shrimp, deveined and deshelled: Provides tender, juicy seafood flavor that cooks quickly.
- 1 pound asparagus, 1½ inch diagonal cut: Brings a lovely crunch and a fresh, green brightness to the dish.
- 1½ tablespoons ginger, minced: Adds a zesty warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced: Imparts a fragrant base note that makes every bite irresistible.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Gives just a hint of heat without overpowering the shrimp.
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oyster sauce: Introduces deep umami and glossy richness to the sauce.
- ¼ cup water: Helps create a light saucy glaze without watering down the flavors.
- Jasmine rice: The perfect fluffy companion to soak up the savory sauce.
How to Make Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating 1¼ tablespoons of avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your minced garlic and sauté it for one minute. This will unlock its fragrant aroma and create a flavorful foundation for the rest of the dish. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic turns bitter quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, toss in the shrimp along with red chili flakes and salt. Stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink and are just slightly undercooked, about 2 to 3 minutes. This slight undercooking is key because the shrimp will continue to cook later with the asparagus. Remove the shrimp and garlic mixture from the wok and set aside in a bowl — your stir fry is starting to take shape!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Asparagus and Ginger
In the same wok, add the remaining 1¼ tablespoons of avocado oil and the minced ginger. Stir them around for about a minute until fragrant, then add the asparagus. Stir constantly for two minutes to ensure the asparagus cooks quickly but maintains a delightful crunch. Then, return the shrimp and garlic mixture to the wok to combine the flavors evenly.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Pour in the oyster sauce and water, giving everything a good stir to coat. Let the mixture cook just long enough for the liquid to reduce slightly, thickening into a glossy sauce that clings to the shrimp and asparagus. Test the asparagus for tenderness — it should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Once it’s ready, serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice for a beautiful meal.
How to Serve Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Though the dish shines on its own, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions can add another layer of texture and a pop of color that makes it look irresistible. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright, tangy counterpoint that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs brilliantly with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every delicious drop of the sauce. For something lighter, try serving alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar, which provides an invigorating crunch and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just spice up your dinner routine, serve your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe in vibrant individual bowls or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add freshness and visual appeal, transforming the meal into a gourmet experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover shrimp and asparagus stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor for your next meal.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, it’s best to avoid freezing asparagus as it can become mushy when thawed. If needed, freeze the cooked shrimp separately and prepare fresh asparagus when you’re ready to eat again for optimal results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the shrimp tender and the asparagus crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the stir fry’s texture.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use a combination of soy sauce with a little bit of hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce to replicate the umami depth.
How do I know when the asparagus is cooked perfectly?
The asparagus should be bright green and crisp-tender — meaning it has softened slightly but still offers a bit of crunch when bitten. Overcooking will make it limp and less vibrant.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn would all complement the shrimp and asparagus beautifully and add even more color and texture.
Is this dish spicy?
Just a little! The red chili flakes add a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the flavors, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels both comforting and elegant, so quick to put together and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy cook or craving something fresh and satisfying, it’s a perfect go-to meal that never lets you down. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry that combines succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner served with jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound 16/20 count shrimp, deveined and deshelled
- 1 pound asparagus, 1½ inch diagonal cut and bottom 1 inch removed and discarded
- 1½ tablespoons ginger, minced
- 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand), plus more to taste
Oils and Sauces
- 2½ tablespoons avocado oil, split
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- ¼ cup water
Accompaniments
- Jasmine rice, cooked, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 1¼ tablespoons of avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp, red chili flakes, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to the wok. Stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink but are still slightly undercooked, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and garlic mixture from the wok and set aside in a bowl.
- Stir-Fry Asparagus: To the same wok, add the remaining 1¼ tablespoons avocado oil along with the minced ginger. Cook for one minute until aromatic. Add the asparagus pieces and stir constantly for 2 minutes to maintain their crispness.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp and garlic mixture to the wok with the asparagus. Pour in the oyster sauce and ¼ cup water. Stir and cook together for 2 minutes until the liquid slightly reduces and the shrimp are fully cooked. Check the asparagus for desired tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and asparagus stir fry immediately over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust red chili flakes to taste for desired heat level.
- Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point and mild flavor, but other neutral oils can be substituted.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Jasmine rice pairs perfectly with this stir fry, but you can try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
