Looking for a quick, vibrant meal that practically sings spring on a plate? Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry is your answer! This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with crisp, green asparagus, all tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that packs layers of flavor. Every bite is perfectly balanced, bursting with garlicky aroma and a satisfying mix of tender-crisp and succulent textures. Best of all, you can pull it together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something special without the fuss.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry is all about simple, feel-good ingredients that come together to make magic. Each component has its own starring role, from the sweetness of the shrimp to the earthy snap of asparagus and the flavor-packed sauces that tie everything together.

Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): Go for large shrimp to maximize their juicy, tender texture and impressive presentation.
Asparagus (1 lb, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces): These slender, bright green stalks add crunch and a pop of color.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp, divided): Try a neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying and to bring everything together.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with mouthwatering depth.
Fresh ginger (1 tsp, minced): A little zingy ginger goes a long way for aromatic warmth!
Soy sauce (3 tbsp): This is your salty, umami foundation; use a low-sodium variety if you prefer.
Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): For a glossy, richly flavored sauce that clings to every bite.
Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds brightness and a gentle tang to balance out the savory flavors.
Cornstarch (1 tsp, mixed with 2 tbsp water): This slurry thickens the sauce until it shines and coats beautifully.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): Adds a final flourish of nutty fragrance; a little goes a long way.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season as you cook for perfect balance.
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle over the top for a gentle crunch and visual appeal.
Cooked white rice (for serving): Fluffy rice soaks up every delicious drop of sauce.

How to Make Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Asparagus

Give your shrimp a quick pat dry so they sear instead of steam. Trim the woody ends off your asparagus and slice into 2-inch segments so they cook quickly but stay crisp. Having all your veggies and seafood ready to go helps the stir-fry process move fast and smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque—no one likes overcooked shrimp! Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Asparagus

Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan and toss in your asparagus. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, enough to keep them vibrant and slightly crisp. The goal? Asparagus that’s tender with just the right snappy bite.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Push the asparagus to the sides of the pan, then add your minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for around 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Stir everything together for even flavor.

Step 5: Sauce and Combine

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring well to coat the asparagus. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Drizzle the cornstarch slurry evenly, then toss gently until the sauce thickens and everything looks glossy and irresistible, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, drizzle in that fragrant sesame oil, and give it one last toss. If you love a pretty finish, sprinkle a few sesame seeds over the top. Serve your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry hot, piled high over fluffy rice!

How to Serve Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Garnishes

A dazzling finish takes Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry from simple to restaurant-worthy. Go classic with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even chili flakes if you’d like a touch of heat. For a little brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top right before serving.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry shines alongside a bowl of warm, steamed white rice that soaks up all the pan sauce. For extra flair, try jasmine or brown rice. If you’re looking for a low-carb partner, cauliflower rice or stir-fried noodles make fantastic alternatives. A crisp side salad with a tangy Asian dressing also pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry the centerpiece at a dinner party by serving it family-style in a big, colorful platter. For a fun twist, scoop individual portions into lettuce cups, creating festive, hand-held wraps. Or, serve over a bed of crunchy vermicelli noodles for drama and textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry quickly before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze leftovers, the texture of the asparagus (and sometimes the shrimp) may change a bit once thawed. If you do decide to freeze, package everything tightly and use within a month for best results. For a fresher taste, though, enjoying the dish within a day or two is ideal.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, reheat Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring just until hot throughout. The microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook—shrimp heats up quickly and you want it to stay juicy, not rubbery!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly in the pan and avoids any extra water making your stir-fry sauce runny.

What other vegetables can I use in Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry?

Feel free to mix in snap peas, green beans, or even thinly sliced bell pepper for a colorful variation. The key is to choose vegetables that cook in roughly the same amount of time as the asparagus, so everything stays crisp-tender.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Love a little heat? Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or toss in thinly sliced chili peppers when adding the garlic and ginger. It’s an easy way to customize your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry to just the right level of spicy.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?

High heat and quick cooking are your best friends. Keep a close eye and remove the shrimp from the pan as soon as they’re pink and curled, usually after just 2–3 minutes. They’ll finish cooking with the rest of the stir-fry in the final toss.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce and oyster sauce with their gluten-free versions, both of which are widely available in most grocery stores. This keeps your Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry friendly for everyone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that delivers big flavor, vibrant color, and dinner-in-a-flash convenience, Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry checks every box. It’s a true weeknight superstar, but impressive enough to serve when you want to show off a little. Give it a try and discover just how easy—and delicious—a homemade stir-fry can be!

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and aromatic seasonings in a savory sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil

For Serving:

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooked white rice

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Instructions

Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until cooked. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Asparagus: Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then stir-fry the asparagus for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add Aromatics and Sauce: Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar.
Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the pan, pour in the cornstarch slurry, and toss until the sauce thickens. Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve over rice.