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This stir-fried shrimp with asparagus and mushrooms has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender shrimp pairs beautifully with the crisp asparagus and earthy mushrooms, creating a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes.
I first created this recipe when asparagus was overflowing at our local farmers market. My family was getting tired of steamed asparagus, but this stir-fry transformed the vegetable so completely that even my vegetable-resistant teenager asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: fresh or frozen work equally well just ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry for better browning
- Asparagus: look for medium thickness stalks as pencil thin ones cook too quickly while thick ones take too long
- Cremini mushrooms: these brown mushrooms have more flavor than white button varieties but either will work
- Garlic: fresh cloves provide the aromatic foundation for this dish
- Olive oil: a good quality oil helps vegetables brown nicely
- Soy sauce: adds umami depth and saltiness
- Black pepper: freshly ground provides the best flavor
- Butter: optional but creates a silky finish to the sauce
How To Make Stir-fried Shrimp Asparagus Mushrooms
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Cut asparagus into 2-inch pieces discarding the woody ends. Slice mushrooms evenly about 1/4 inch thick. Peel and devein shrimp if not already done. Having everything ready before you start cooking is essential as this dish comes together quickly.
- Heat Your Pan:
- Get your wok or large skillet very hot before adding oil. The high heat creates the characteristic charred edges that give stir-fries their distinctive flavor. When the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke add the minced garlic and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Vegetables First:
- Add asparagus and mushrooms to the hot pan and keep them moving. The vegetables need about 3-5 minutes to soften slightly while maintaining some crispness. You’ll know they’re ready when the asparagus turns bright green and the mushrooms begin to release their moisture.
- Add Protein Last:
- Shrimp cook extremely quickly usually in just 2-3 minutes. Add them to the already hot vegetables and stir constantly. Look for the characteristic pink color and slight curl that indicates they're done. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Season With Finesse:
- Add soy sauce and seasonings toward the end of cooking to prevent them from burning. If using butter stir it in right at the end to create a silky sauce that coats all the ingredients evenly.
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My absolute favorite way to enjoy this dish is with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. The nutty crunch adds another dimension that elevates the entire meal. My husband, who typically reaches for hot sauce with everything, actually prefers this just as it is—a testament to the perfect balance of flavors.
Storage Tips
This stir-fry keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve slightly as they meld together. When reheating, just a quick minute in the microwave is sufficient as overheating will toughen the shrimp. For meal prep purposes, store the stir-fry separate from any rice or noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Easy Substitutions
Don’t feel limited by the original recipe. Snow peas, broccoli florets, or bell peppers can replace or supplement the asparagus when it’s not in season. For a vegetarian version, substitute firm tofu cut into cubes or simply increase the mushroom quantity. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make an excellent substitute with a slightly sweeter profile that works beautifully with the shrimp.
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Serving Suggestions
While this stir-fry is substantial enough to enjoy on its own, there are several wonderful accompaniments to consider. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice makes an excellent base to soak up the savory sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well. If you’re looking for something different, try serving it over rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for an extra serving of vegetables. A simple side of miso soup completes the meal beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for cremini mushrooms?
You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello slices for a similar texture and taste.
- → How do I keep asparagus crisp in the stir-fry?
To keep asparagus crisp, cook it over high heat for a short time until bright green and tender-crisp but not overdone.
- → What can I serve this stir-fry with?
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a nutritious base.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture variety.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the butter at the end for a completely dairy-free version of this stir-fry.