Mediterranean Stir-Fried Asparagus with Shrimp
This light and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and savory mushrooms with a Mediterranean-Asian inspired sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein and veggies, and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something fresh but satisfying. Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper with 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside.
Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Stir-fry vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in garlic, asparagus, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender and mushrooms are lightly browned.
Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the shrimp and veggies. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Transfer to a platter and garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs (optional). Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Tips
Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works fine too. Pat dry before cooking to avoid extra liquid.
High heat is key: A hot pan ensures the shrimp sear nicely and the vegetables stay crisp.
Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove them as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Prep ahead: Chop all veggies and mix the sauce before you start cooking, since stir-fry moves quickly.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist
Add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
Finish with fresh parsley, oregano, or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a fresh chili when stir-frying the garlic.
Vegetable Swap
Replace mushrooms with zucchini, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Use broccolini instead of asparagus for a similar texture.
Citrusy Freshness
Add lemon zest or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
Pair with a wedge of lime for a brighter flavor.
Protein Alternatives
Try scallops, calamari, or even chicken strips instead of shrimp.
For a vegetarian option, use tofu or chickpeas.
Serve Differently
Spoon over couscous, farro, or quinoa for a Mediterranean-style bowl.
Toss with whole-grain pasta for a hearty meal.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture to avoid watery stir-fry.
Q: What’s the best way to keep asparagus crisp?
A: Cook it on high heat for just 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Don’t overcook.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chop veggies ahead. Reheating shrimp may make them rubbery.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) and check your oyster sauce label.
Q: Can I add carbs to make it a full meal?
A: Definitely—serve it over rice, couscous, quinoa, or noodles for a balanced plate.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, approx. 4 servings)
Calories: ~260
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: ~780mg (varies with sauces used)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Stir-Fried Asparagus with Shrimp is a light yet satisfying dish that balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and savory umami flavors. It’s quick to prepare, full of Mediterranean freshness, and versatile enough to adapt with different veggies, seasonings, or grains. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels healthy but still indulgent.