If you’re looking for a quick, colorful weeknight dinner packed with flavor, this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe might just become your new best friend in the kitchen. With juicy, tender shrimp and bright, verdant asparagus tossed together in a deeply savory-sweet sauce, every bite is bursting with freshness and umami. The dish comes together in twenty minutes, yet tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Asian restaurant. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for yourself, this stir fry guarantees satisfaction with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a meaningful role, from the plump shrimp to the aromatic garlic and ginger. With a handful of pantry staples and a fresh bunch of asparagus, you’re on your way to weeknight dinner bliss. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips on making the most of each element.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Go for large shrimp for that perfect, juicy bite—they cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This gives the shrimp a delightful, silky coating and thickens the sauce just enough to glossy perfection.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): Provides salty-savory depth; be sure to divide it so the shrimp can marinate and the sauce is just right.
- Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds that unmistakable umami and a hint of sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon): For sweet complexity and beautiful caramelization; a little goes a long way.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle gives the stir fry a toasty aroma.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Great for high-heat stir frying, ensuring nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.
- Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces): The star veggie—choose spears that are firm and bright green for the freshest flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for adding rich, warming aroma and depth.
- Fresh Ginger (1/2 teaspoon, grated): Brings a gentle heat and zingy brightness to lift the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Colorful and fresh, they add a gentle bite at the end.
- Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish): Sprinkling these over the top gives a subtle crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl. Add cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, tossing to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This step is important—not only does it tenderize the shrimp, but it helps them hold onto all the fabulous flavor once they hit the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. This mix is the soul of your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe—it binds everything together with layers of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Asparagus
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, moving them frequently so they cook evenly but still maintain their crisp-tender character. The goal is to keep their vibrant green color and a satisfying bite.
Step 4: Add the Aromatics and Red Pepper Flakes
Give your dish a zing by tossing in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and (if you like) red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. These aromatics bloom in the hot oil, scenting your whole kitchen in the process!
Step 5: Sear the Shrimp
Push the asparagus to the side of the pan to make room for the marinated shrimp. Spread out the shrimp in a single layer so they get a good sear—cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, as shrimp can go from juicy to rubbery in seconds!
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Pour in your prepared sauce, then toss everything together until the shrimp and asparagus are evenly coated and glossy. Cook for another 1-2 minutes—just enough to heat everything through and thicken the sauce slightly. Your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your dish to life with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Not only do they add extra crunch and color, but they also elevate the presentation to restaurant quality in seconds.
Side Dishes
Serve this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe over steaming white jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or even tender rice noodles for a full meal. If you’re after something lighter, try cauliflower rice or a tangle of sautéed greens to soak up that extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or just want to shake things up, try serving the stir fry in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on main, or pile it high on a platter with extra lime wedges for freshness. You can even add a scattering of roasted peanuts for crunch or pair it with pickled veggies on the side for an unexpected zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe will last in the fridge for up to two days, stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to blend, making reheated servings just as tasty as the first time around.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze leftovers, shrimp and asparagus are best enjoyed fresh to avoid mushiness. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month, and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, splash in a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the shrimp chewy.
FAQs
Can I substitute another vegetable for asparagus?
Absolutely! Snap peas, green beans, or even broccoli florets work beautifully. The Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe is very flexible—just adjust cook times if needed so veggies stay crisp-tender.
What type Main Course
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp (either fresh or thawed from frozen) are your best bet for this recipe. They cook evenly and their size makes for a satisfying bite with the asparagus.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a gluten-free oyster sauce, your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing any of its delightful flavors.
How spicy is the final dish?
The stir fry is only lightly spicy from the red pepper flakes. You can dial up the heat with more flakes, a dash of chili oil, or sliced fresh chili, or skip them for a milder meal.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double all the ingredients. Cook in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding, ensuring everything stays crisp and evenly cooked.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe, you’ll see just how enjoyable and rewarding a speedy homemade meal can be. Whether it’s your first attempt or your hundredth, the combination of flavors and textures is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a go tonight and bring a burst of freshness to your dinner table—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a savory sauce come together in a delightful stir-fry that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and stir-fry until crisp-tender. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Pour in the sauce, stir to coat, and cook until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute snap peas or green beans for asparagus.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
