Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone on a ketogenic diet. This meal combines the rich, buttery flavor of shrimp with the vibrant crunch of asparagus, all brought together with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. The shrimp, a fantastic source of lean protein, cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the tender asparagus, making this dish not only delicious but also fast and easy to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that fits seamlessly into a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle.
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The key to this dish is the lemon garlic butter sauce, which is both rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of brightness from the lemon. The garlic adds depth to the sauce, while the butter contributes a smooth, velvety texture. This combination is the perfect complement to the shrimp, which takes on a wonderful flavor from being seared in the butter and olive oil. Asparagus adds an extra layer of texture and nutrients, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping the carb count low. It’s an ideal vegetable for a keto meal, providing plenty of bulk without adding unnecessary carbs.
What makes this dish especially great for a ketogenic diet is its balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which are the pillars of any successful low-carb eating plan. The butter and olive oil provide the necessary healthy fats that keep you feeling satisfied and help support ketosis. At the same time, the shrimp offer lean protein, and the asparagus brings in fiber and essential vitamins. With only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, this dish allows you to indulge in a flavorful, filling meal without worrying about kicking yourself out of ketosis.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is a perfect choice. It’s a meal that’s easy to customize—if you don’t have asparagus on hand, feel free to substitute with other keto-friendly veggies like zucchini or broccoli. The dish also keeps well for leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day. Simply serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for an extra boost of veggies and texture. This recipe proves that low-carb meals don’t have to be bland or boring; they can be packed with flavor and variety.
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
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- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by preparing the shrimp and asparagus. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Trim and cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
- Cook the asparagus: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Once cooked, remove the asparagus from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the lemon garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine shrimp and asparagus: Return the cooked shrimp and asparagus to the pan and toss everything together, coating the shrimp and asparagus in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to heat everything through.
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- Garnish and serve: Once everything is cooked and well-coated, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Information (per serving – makes 2 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 34g
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
Why This Recipe Works for Keto:
- Low-Carb Vegetables: Asparagus is a keto-friendly vegetable that is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it a great choice for anyone following a low-carb diet. It pairs beautifully with the shrimp, adding a vibrant, crunchy texture to the dish.
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- Healthy Fats: The combination of butter and olive oil provides the healthy fats necessary for a ketogenic meal, helping you stay full and satisfied. These fats also add a rich, velvety texture to the sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Protein-Packed Shrimp: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential on a keto diet to support muscle maintenance and keep you feeling full longer. It cooks quickly, making this dish both fast and nutritious.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes (optional) bring bright, bold flavors to the dish without adding any unnecessary carbs. The citrusy tang of the lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and creates a zesty, mouthwatering sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- This dish is perfect on its own as a keto-friendly meal. If you want to bulk it up, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb while adding extra fiber and volume.
- A side of mixed greens or a simple side salad would complement this dish nicely, adding freshness and a variety of textures.
- For a more indulgent experience, you can top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Be sure to cook it just until it turns pink and opaque, which takes only about 2 minutes per side.
- Customize the Veggies: While asparagus is the star of this dish, feel free to swap it for other keto-friendly veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
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- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a small amount of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
