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Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus 🍤

Published: · Updated: by · 2 Comments

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This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet is ready in less than 20 minutes and has just 5 simple ingredients!

Finished dish: Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus in a cast iron skillet

This keto shrimp and asparagus is one seriously easy recipe that’ll look and taste like you spent a lot more time than 20 minutes and 5 ingredients to make.

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Preparation and cooking overview

Making keto shrimp and asparagus is a breeze and takes less than 20 minutes! First, sauté garlic and asparagus in a mix of butter and olive oil until they're tender. Next, toss in the shrimp and cook them until they're just right. Finally, add your finishing touches and dig into this tasty dish!

Chef's note

For a crispier texture, coat your shrimp with pork rinds or almond flour before you cook them. This little tweak will make each bite of the dish even more delightful.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings
all the ingredients gathered before being cooked.

🦐 Ingredients for this keto shrimp and asparagus recipe

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces of fresh asparagus tips
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Ingredient substitutions

Here are some keto-friendly ingredient substitutions for the recipe:

  • Unsalted butter: Instead of unsalted butter, use ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
  • Garlic: Use garlic powder or garlic paste instead. Just make sure they are free from added sugars or fillers.
  • Lemon juice: If fresh lemons aren't readily available, try lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy touch.

Additional ingredients

Here are some optional keto-friendly add-ons that go great with the main components of this recipe:

  • Cherry tomatoes: For a sweet pop of flavor, you can add roasted or sautéed cherry tomatoes that pair well with the shrimp and asparagus.
  • Fresh herbs: Throw in some herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to add depth to the dish. They don't just boost the flavor but also make the plate look more inviting.
  • Feta cheese: Add some crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy, savory kick that complements the shrimp and asparagus beautifully.
  • Mushrooms: Include sliced mushrooms when cooking your shrimp and asparagus to bring a savory, earthy element to the dish.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto shrimp and asparagus recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 5″ or larger cast iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spatula
  • Lemon squeezer

Tools substitute options

  • 5" or larger cast iron skillet: If you don't have a skillet, use a regular non-stick saucepan or a wok for sautéing the ingredients.
  • Spatula: Use a wooden spoon if you don't have a spatula.

How to make keto shrimp and asparagus: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying
  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the required ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Wash and trim the asparagus.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a 10.5″ or larger cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once it's hot, toss in the garlic and asparagus, and sauté for around 3 minutes.
  3. Shift the asparagus to one side of the skillet, then add the shrimp.
  4. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they're done.
  5. Pour lemon juice over the shrimp and asparagus, and cook for another minute or so until most of the liquid evaporates.
  6. Season as you like and serve.
Asparagus on a plate.

Chef's pro tip

Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as it can make them rubbery and less enjoyable. The key is to cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Once they look like that, promptly remove them from the heat. This will ensure you have tender and juicy shrimp every time.

What to serve with keto shrimp and asparagus?

For a well-rounded and satisfying meal, try these keto-friendly options that pair nicely with the keto shrimp and asparagus:

  • Cauliflower rice: Lay the dish over a bed of cauliflower rice for a filling, low-carb meal.
  • Zucchini noodles: Team up the dish with zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, for a light and tasty combo.
  • Keto garlic bread: Whip up some keto-friendly garlic bread using almond or coconut flour to round out your meal.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Serve some crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts as a delicious side.
  • Creamed spinach: Quickly sauté spinach in garlic and olive oil for a balanced and flavorful side dish.

How to make it healthier

You can make a few simple adjustments to make this recipe even healthier:

  • Reduce sodium: Opt for low-sodium or no-salt versions of the listed ingredients to keep your sodium levels in check.
  • Increase vegetable content: Elevate the dish's nutritional profile by adding more vegetables. Either increase the asparagus or throw in other low-carb veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Make your own seasoning: Whip up your own seasoning mix with herbs and spices to avoid store-bought versions that may have additives, preservatives, or hidden sugars.

Time-saving tips

To make this recipe more efficiently, consider these time-saving pointers:

  • Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
  • Choose pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to avoid the hassle of doing it yourself.
  • Pick up pre-cut asparagus tips to save on prep time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

To make the cooking process a breeze, here's what you can prep in advance:

  • Pre-mince the garlic: Mince your garlic ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, it's ready to go when you are.
  • Pre-peel and devein the shrimp: Do this in advance and store the shrimp in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
  • Prep the asparagus: Trim the asparagus tips and keep them in a sealable bag or container in the fridge. They'll be ready to use, saving you time when you start cooking.

Storage and reheating instructions

  • Use airtight containers: Place the leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors intact and prevent moisture loss.
  • Refrigerate: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Freezing is an option: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish. However, the texture of the shrimp and asparagus may change slightly upon thawing.
  • Reheat properly: When you're ready to eat, reheat the dish either in a microwave or on a stovetop until it's heated through.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it—a simple and delicious keto shrimp and asparagus dish that's not just flavorful but also healthy. With optional add-ons and the flexibility to tweak it to your liking, this recipe proves that eating well doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Plus, with our time-saving and health-boosting tips, you can easily fit this meal into a busy schedule and dietary plan.

Whether you're new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dish offers a satisfying, low-carb option that doesn't skimp on taste. The best part? It's quick to make and even quicker to disappear from your plate!

Looking for other shrimp recipes? Check these out:

close up od cooked keto garlic butter shrimp and aspargus

Frequently asked questions

Yes, asparagus is an excellent addition to keto diets. It is low in carbs and contains fiber, meaning it boosts the nutritional profile of any meal it's included in.

Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic source of protein on keto diets. 

Shrimp pairs well with various delicious keto-friendly options. For instance, cauliflower rice, leafy greens, and zucchini noodles are all excellent examples of foods you can pair shrimp with.

Yes. Just make sure you're using keto-friendly yogurt. Flavored yogurt usually contains sweeteners that are high in carbs, so steer clear of those.

📖 Recipe

Finished dish: Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus in a cast iron skillet

Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet is ready in less than 20 minutes and has just 5 simple ingredients!!!
4.41 from 5 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 5-Ingredient, easy, seafood
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 302kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces asparagus tips
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the butter and the olive oil in a 10.5″ or larger cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Once hot add in the garlic and asparagus, cook about 3 minutes.
  • Move the asparagus to the side and add in the shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through.
  • Add the lemon juice to the skillet and cook another minute or so until most has evaporated.
  • Season to taste and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Amount Per Serving
Calories 302 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 308mg103%
Sodium 884mg38%
Potassium 236mg7%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 691IU14%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 187mg19%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jo says

    5 stars
    That was the most simple and delicious meal. Thanks!

    Reply

  2. Dottie says

    5 stars
    The garlic shrimp and asparagus was sensational!!!

    Reply

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