Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp with Quinoa & Roasted Asparagus

Looking for easy healthy shrimp recipes? This Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp with Quinoa & Asparagus is quick, flavorful, and good for you! My secret? Fresh herbs! Try it tonight!

Alright, let's dive into a super tasty and healthy dish. looking for healthy shrimp recipes ? are you thinking something light, zesty, and full of goodness? then get ready for my zesty lemon herb shrimp with quinoa & roasted asparagus.

It's quick, easy, and honestly, puts a smile on your face! this ticks all the boxes: garlic butter shrimp notes, but oh-so-healthy!

Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp: A Flavor Fiesta

This dish is inspired by the mediterranean diet. think sunshine, fresh herbs, and simple flavors. it's super easy to make.

It only takes about 45 minutes, from start to finish. it serves two, making it perfect for a cosy night in.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Dish

Honestly, the best part is how good it is for you. shrimp is a fantastic source of protein. it will keep you full and satisfied.

This recipe is a great way to get your health dinner sorted. it's also the perfect meal for a light lunch or a quick weeknight dinner.

This recipe is special because the zesty lemon herb marinade really makes the shrimp sing! a good seafood dinner is hard to beat.

Let's get to the ingredients, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what we need for some healthy shrimp recipes . I'm thinking a bright, lemony vibe. Ditch the deep fryer and grab some fresh ingredients, yeah?

Ingredients Deconstructed

First, the shrimp. you'll want 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. bigger is better, honestly. look for shrimp that smell faintly of the sea, not fishy.

That's key! we also use two tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves of garlic, minced (because everything's better with garlic!), 1 tablespoon (15ml) parsley, 1 tablespoon (15ml) oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Next up, quinoa. We're talking 1 cup (190g) quinoa. Rinse it! Super important. Also 2 cups (475ml) vegetable broth and 1 bay leaf. I use broth for flavour but water's fine too.

Finally, the asparagus. a good 1 pound (450g) of asparagus, trimmed. snap off those woody ends. about 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, salt and pepper.

I love a squeeze of lemon at the end too. you will also need lemon wedges for serving.

Spice It Up!

For my money, lemon, garlic, and herbs are a match made in heaven. it's a super flavorful base. try parsley and oregano for a classic taste.

Don't have fresh? no sweat. use about 1 teaspoon of dried. a pinch of red pepper flakes wakes things up too.

You know, for a little kick.

Need subs? Lime juice works instead of lemon. Boom!

Gear Up!

Keep it simple. you'll need a baking sheet for the asparagus, a skillet for the garlic butter shrimp , and a small pot for the quinoa.

A bowl for mixing the butter shrimp marinade helps too.

Don't have a fancy baking sheet? Oven-safe dish works. No skillet? Any frying pan will do. It's all about making do, innit?

Seriously, this shrimp and broccoli recipe is so good, and these ingredients create the base of a honey garlic butter shrimp masterpiece.

These are shrimp recipes easy , even for the most challenged cook. and it feels like a health dinner or a light seafood dinner.

I feel like this recipe can be the gateway for more shrimp recipes for dinner . now go on and start your own garlic butter shrimp and broccoli creation.

Alright, let's get cooking! healthy shrimp recipes , you say? let's aim for something vibrant, delicious, and good for ya.

Think less "fish and chips" pub grub, and more sunshine on a plate, yeah? since healthy shrimp recipes is broad, i'll walk you through my zesty lemon herb shrimp with quinoa & roasted asparagus.

This dish is light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. honestly, it's a winner!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place & Safety

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. this is just a fancy way of saying "get everything ready beforehand.

" chop your herbs, mince the garlic, and measure out your quinoa. for this recipe, you'll need: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper, quinoa, vegetable broth, asparagus, and a bay leaf.

Having everything prepped saves a ton of time, trust me! also, remember to wash your hands before you start cooking.

Food safety is always in style!

Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp: Step-by-Step to Flavor Town

Alright, let's get down to business.

1. Marinate Magic: Combine shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

2. Quinoa Time: Cook quinoa with broth and a bay leaf. Simmer for 15 minutes , or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it up with a fork.

3. Asparagus Roast: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 10- 12 minutes .

4. Shrimp Sizzle: Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side.

5. Assemble & Enjoy: Serve the shrimp and asparagus over the fluffy quinoa. Drizzle with lemon if you want!

Pro Tips for Shrimp Perfection

Don't overcook the shrimp! they become rubbery. watch for them to turn pink. toasting the quinoa beforehand gives it a nutty flavour.

Also, you can make the quinoa ahead of time, saving you even more time. this makes "shrimp recipes easy" a real thing! you know? this could easily be a "seafood dinner" or a "health dinner".

This lemon herb shrimp with quinoa & roasted asparagus can be made ahead of time, simply assemble just before serving to keep the asparagus crisp.

And that is how "garlic butter shrimp and broccoli" is not even relevant as this is even healthier. and that's that.

What are your thoughts on butter shrimp ?

Alright, so you're whipping up my zesty lemon herb shrimp with quinoa & roasted asparagus ? ace! before you dive in, let's chat about some insider tips.

Think of these as your culinary cheat codes!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Dress to Impress!

Honestly, presentation matters. i reckon a bit of effort makes all the difference. when plating, arrange the quinoa like a little bed.

Then, artfully place the asparagus spears on top. finally, crown it with the garlic butter shrimp . a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley? oh my gosh, yes!

Feeling fancy? serve it with a dollop of greek yogurt – it adds a creamy tang. for drinks, a crisp sauvignon blanc is chef's kiss .

Or just a refreshing glass of iced tea. sorted!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Leftovers? No worries! The shrimp, asparagus, and quinoa can all be stored separately in airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge – they'll be good for up to 3 days.

Freezing? mmm, the asparagus loses its snap, but the shrimp and quinoa freeze quite well. reheat gently in a pan with a little olive oil or in the microwave.

Don't nuke it to oblivion, mind.

Variations: Mix it Up, Mate!

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a dietary adaptation , use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Works a treat!

For seasonal ingredient swaps , try using green beans instead of asparagus in the summer. Or, in autumn, butternut squash would be lush.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Okay, let’s be real – we're aiming for "healthy" here. this recipe is packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber from the quinoa and asparagus.

You're getting good fats from the olive oil. think of this as a proper health dinner .

Shrimp is a great source of selenium and vitamin B12. Asparagus is loaded with vitamins K and folate. And quinoa? Well, quinoa is a complete protein, so it's winning all around! This makes is a simple seafood dinner !

I had butter shrimp only once, but i know the garlic butter shrimp flavour and texture goes well with quinoa.

This recipe is designed to be simple, yet delicious. it is one of those shrimp recipes easy that you can make.

Health Dinner can include many things, but some healthy shrimp recipes are simple and efficient! Remember that the key is the freshness of the ingredients.

So, there you have it – all my secrets for making this zesty lemon herb shrimp with quinoa & roasted asparagus a smash hit.

Get in the kitchen, have a giggle, and enjoy! and, most importantly, enjoy the healthy shrimp recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be sure not to overcook my shrimp? They always seem to end up rubbery!

Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is to watch them like a hawk. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through and curl into a gentle "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp curl into a tight "O" and are tough. Cooking them for just 2-3 minutes per side in a hot pan usually does the trick. Use visual cues rather than strict timing.

What are some good variations I can try with these healthy shrimp recipes? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Feeling adventurous, are we? Excellent! For a spicy kick, amp up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime instead of lemon offers a different citrusy tang. For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle on some crumbled feta and Kalamata olives. Swap out the quinoa for couscous or brown rice, or the asparagus for green beans or broccoli – make it your own, really!

Can I make this Lemon Herb Shrimp with Quinoa & Roasted Asparagus ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?

You can definitely prep components ahead! Cook the quinoa and roast the asparagus a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can marinate them earlier in the day. When assembling, remember that leftover cooked shrimp is best reheated gently. For leftovers, store all components separately if possible, and reheat gently to avoid the shrimp becoming tough.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Is this really one of those truly "healthy shrimp recipes," or just marketing speak?

This recipe is genuinely good for you! Shrimp is a lean protein, and we're pairing it with nutrient-rich quinoa and asparagus. The lemon and herbs add flavor without relying on heavy sauces or excessive salt. Plus, it's packed with vitamins and minerals, is relatively low in calories and fat, and offers a good dose of protein. This is the kind of healthy that will actually fill you up and make you feel great, not deprived!

What if I don't have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs instead?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs are lovely, but dried herbs work perfectly well in a pinch. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. So, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Keep in mind dried herbs can be more potent, so start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.

I'm allergic to shellfish. Is there a good substitute for shrimp that would work with this recipe?

Ah, a shellfish allergy! That can be tricky. For a direct textural swap, you can try using cubed firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess water. You can also substitute grilled chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, and marinate it just like the shrimp. Though, if using chicken, make sure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature before serving. Both options will provide a similar protein punch in the dish.

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