April 11, 2017

Healthy Recipe – Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Springtime brings warmer weather, longer days and – for many of us – a renewed focus on eating right and eating light. This light and delicious seasonal offering will complement any plate this spring.

Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

1 lb raw extra large shrimp (26-30 count), peeled and deveined
1 lemon, cut in half
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed, cut diagonally in 1-inch pieces
2 medium red bell peppers, cut in about ¼-inch x 1-inch slices
1 Tbsp lemon zest
Salt (to taste)
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp cornstarch
8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbsp)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Preparation

Place shrimp in medium glass bowl. With hand strainer positioned over bowl to catch lemon seeds, squeeze juice from lemon halves over shrimp. Toss shrimp in lemon juice and set aside to marinate.
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil and heat just until oil begins to shimmer. Add asparagus, peppers, lemon zest and salt to taste. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer mixture to medium bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Set skillet aside off heat.
In small mixing bowl, whisk broth and cornstarch together until smooth.
Return skillet to medium heat. Add remaining Tbsp oil and garlic. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and sauté 1 minute. Add broth mixture.
Cook, gently stirring continually until sauce has thickened and shrimp are pink, about 2 minutes.
Remove pan from heat, stir in lemon juice, parsley and cilantro, if using. Season to taste with salt. Divide vegetables among four dinner plates and top with shrimp.

Nutritional information – per serving