Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

A fresh, flavorful, and keto-friendly dish that brings together shrimp, asparagus, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned keto dieter or just starting your low-carb journey, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you on track. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with mouthwatering flavors. Let’s dive into making this delicious meal!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and low-carb dinner that’s packed with flavor, Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is the perfect dish for you! The combination of succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and a zesty garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible meal that you can enjoy on your keto lifestyle.
The garlic butter sauce is rich and creamy without any unnecessary carbs, while the shrimp provides that perfect protein boost. Asparagus adds a light crunch that complements the flavors perfectly. This dish is not only delicious but also fits seamlessly into your ketogenic diet—helping you stay on track without compromising on taste.

My Personal Experience

Let me just tell you, this dish has become one of my absolute go-tos! The first time I made it, I was amazed by how quickly it came together—especially for a dish that feels so fancy and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress someone with a simple yet elegant meal.
The garlic butter sauce is everything—it coats the shrimp and asparagus beautifully and is just the right amount of rich and flavorful. Honestly, I could drink that sauce (just kidding… sort of!). It’s so easy to make, and the flavors meld together in a way that feels luxurious but doesn’t take up hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll be on your regular rotation too!

Required Equipment

To make Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus, you don’t need a lot of complicated equipment—just a few essentials to make the process smooth and efficient.

• Large Skillet or Pan: You’ll need a sturdy pan to cook the shrimp and asparagus. I prefer a large skillet with a non-stick surface because it helps keep the shrimp from sticking, and everything cooks evenly. Plus, you can easily toss the shrimp and asparagus in the pan to ensure even cooking.
• Tongs: These are perfect for flipping the shrimp and asparagus without damaging them. I always use tongs to make sure everything stays in one piece while giving that perfect sear.
• Garlic Press: If you’re a garlic lover like me, a garlic press is a must-have. It ensures you get finely minced garlic quickly and evenly, which is essential for infusing that garlic flavor into the butter sauce.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is key, especially when adding seasonings and butter. I always keep my measuring spoons handy to make sure I’m adding the right amounts of ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these for chopping the asparagus. A sharp knife makes prep work a breeze, and a sturdy cutting board keeps everything organized.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Shrimp (about 1 lb, peeled and deveined): Shrimp is the star of this dish. It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for keto. Feel free to use frozen shrimp, but make sure it’s thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed): Asparagus is a great low-carb vegetable that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can substitute it with zucchini or green beans if needed, but asparagus gives this dish a beautiful crunch and flavor.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter is essential for that creamy garlic butter sauce. I use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better, but salted butter works just as well.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic is the backbone of the sauce. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with garlic powder if needed.
• Lemon (1, juiced and zested): The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor to balance out the richness of the butter. If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice is a decent substitute, though fresh is always better.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This helps to cook the asparagus and shrimp while adding a bit of extra flavor. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the shrimp and asparagus. Feel free to adjust to your liking.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This is optional but adds a nice heat to balance the richness of the butter.

How to Make Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces (about 2 inches long). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them sear better and not release too much water into the pan.
Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process super smooth!

Step 2: Cook the Asparagus

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until it’s tender but still crisp. If you like your asparagus a bit softer, cook it for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the shrimp sear properly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Once the shrimp is cooked, add the asparagus back into the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything together so the shrimp and asparagus are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to perfection, plate your Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for This Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to watch them closely. Overcooking will make them tough, so once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a little extra salt or lemon can really make a difference!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and asparagus will make all the difference in flavor.

Optional Additions

• Cheese: Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy texture.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme would add a nice touch to garnish.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables. If you want to keep it extra low-carb, serve it with zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.

Storage Recommendations

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, do so over low heat to avoid drying out the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works just as well! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking.

Can I substitute the asparagus?
Absolutely! You can swap it with other low-carb veggies like zucchini or broccoli.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Total Carbs: 5g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Calories: 300
  This dish is rich in protein and healthy fats, making it the perfect keto meal.

I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, mouthwatering recipes, and all the support you need to achieve your goals. If you’re just starting your keto journey, be sure to check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide—it’s the ultimate resource to get you started with confidence!