Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Forget ordinary lemons! Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus with Brown Rice is all about the incredible burst of sweet-tart citrus that only Meyer lemons can deliver.

Their unique flavor profile adds a whole new dimension to this dish, bringing out the best in the shrimp, asparagus, and fluffy brown rice.

It’s a flavor combination that will have you wondering why you ever used regular lemons.

Why You’ll Love This Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

• Meyer Lemon Magic: Forget boring old lemons! Meyer lemons add a unique twist with their sweet-tart citrus flavor. It’s a burst of sunshine that brightens up the whole dish.
• Shrimp Scampi Sensation: Garlic and plump, juicy shrimp are a classic combo for a reason. This recipe takes it a step further with the zesty citrus for a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Asparagus Allure: Tender asparagus adds a vibrant freshness that perfectly complements the savory shrimp and tangy lemon.
• Brown Rice Goodness: Serve this delicious recipe right over the top of some brown rice. Unlike heavy pastas, fluffy brown rice provides a nutritious and satisfying base that keeps you feeling full without weighing you down.
• Easy Weeknight Winner: Don’t let the impressive flavors fool you! This recipe comes together quickly and easily, perfect for busy weeknights where you still crave something delicious.
• Flavor Customization: The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or top it with fresh herbs for an extra burst of aroma.

Get ready for a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

Tips for Making the Best Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Here are some tips to make your Meyer Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus and Brown Rice even more delicious:

Shrimp Perfection:

• Size Matters: Use medium-sized shrimp for even cooking. Jumbo shrimp might take longer and potentially overcook the other ingredients.
• Prep Work Pays Off: Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely instead of steaming.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly! Aim for a light pink color with a slightly opaque texture to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Aromatic Asparagus:

• Snap Happy: Fresh asparagus should snap easily when bent. Avoid limp stalks for optimal flavor and texture.
• Thicker Isn’t Better: Choose thinner asparagus spears that cook more evenly alongside the shrimp.
• Trim Time: Simply snap off the tough white ends of the asparagus before adding them to the pan.

Meyer Lemon Love:

• Zest it Up: Don’t discard the zest! Meyer lemon zest adds a fragrant punch of citrus flavor.
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh Meyer lemons for the most vibrant taste. Bottled lemon juice won’t capture the unique sweetness of Meyer lemons.
• Acidity Adjust: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the lemon juice depending on your preference. Meyer lemons are slightly less acidic than regular lemons, so you might need a bit more for a tangy kick.

Bonus Tips:

• Deglaze the Pan: For added flavor, use some white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan after removing the shrimp. This captures all the browned bits for a richer sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or dill for an extra pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness.
• Get Saucy: Want a thicker sauce? Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Add it to the simmering sauce and cook until thickened to your desired consistency.

How to Store and Reheat this Recipe

Safe Storage:

• Cool It Down: Let the dish cool completely before storing. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the flavors fresh.
• Separate is Key: Store the shrimp, asparagus, and brown rice in separate airtight containers. This helps prevent the rice from absorbing the flavors and textures of the shrimp and asparagus.
• Label It Up: Clearly label your containers with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Fridge or Freeze?

• Fridge Friendly: Leftovers will stay safe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp and asparagus might be slightly affected upon thawing.

Reheating Tips:

• Gently Does It: Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
• Separate Reheating: Consider reheating the shrimp and asparagus separately from the rice to maintain their textures.
• Freshness Boost: When reheating, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of brightness.

More Delicious Meyer Lemon Recipes

• Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Rolls
• Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting (external)
• Mini Meyer Lemon Pies (external)

Making the Recipe

Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus

Nicole Cook

A versatile side dish or full meal for any event. Makes a great dinner on a busy weeknight.

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 199 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers chopped
• 3 tablespoons garlic minced, divided
• ¼ cup onion chopped
• 2 pounds asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 ¼ teaspoons cornstarch
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil, in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the peppers, 1 1/2 tablespoons of garlic, onions and asparagus, stirring occasionally about 5 minutes or until it the vegetables are just starting to get soft. I try not to let them get too soft, because the little bit of crisp is actually really nice in each bite.
• Remove the vegetables from the heat, and set them aside on a plate. Cover to keep warm.
• In the skillet, add the remaining garlic and the lemon juice and heat for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the chicken broth and stir. Then add the cornstarch and stir and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes or so.
• Serve this with brown rice, pasta or quinoa.
• Pile a plate with 1/2 cup of brown rice. Dish the veggies evenly over each plate. Spoon the shrimp and sauce over the entire thing. Mix together and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 29gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 184mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 953mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3581IUVitamin C: 97mgCalcium: 149mgIron: 6mg

Keyword easy weeknight dinners

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