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Fresh Lemon Herb Spring Shrimp with Asparagus and Spinach

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A quick, easy, and healthy dinner featuring tender shrimp marinated in lemon and fresh herbs, sautéed with crisp asparagus and wilted spinach for a vibrant springtime meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing veggies)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional garnishes: extra lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Rinse asparagus, pat dry, trim ends, and cut into 2-inch pieces. Wash and dry spinach leaves thoroughly.
  3. Sauté the asparagus: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Remove asparagus and set aside.
  4. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes until edges turn pink and curl. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
  5. Add spinach and combine: Add spinach to skillet with shrimp. Toss gently and cook until spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Return asparagus to pan and mix to combine flavors.
  6. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming shrimp. Use fresh herbs for best flavor; reduce dried herbs by half. Ensure spinach is dry before adding to avoid watery dish. Remove tough asparagus ends by snapping at natural break point. Increase heat if shrimp releases too much water to evaporate excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp recipe, lemon herb shrimp, healthy dinner, asparagus recipe, spinach recipe, quick shrimp dish, spring recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://avabake.com/fresh-lemon-herb-spring-shrimp-recipe-easy-healthy-dinner-with-asparagus-and-spinach/