Mediterranean Stir-Fried Shrimp with Asparagus & Mushrooms
This Mediterranean Stir-Fried Shrimp with Asparagus & Mushrooms is a light, fresh, and satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp are quickly stir-fried with tender-crisp asparagus and earthy mushrooms, all tossed in a fragrant olive oil, garlic, and lemon-herb sauce. It’s protein-packed, naturally low-carb, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor—perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Stir-Fry:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Vegetables & Aromatics:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Juice of 1/2 lemon (or more to taste)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to marinate while prepping vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Add asparagus and continue to stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and dried thyme. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Stir in the sliced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it becomes golden but not burnt.
Combine & Finish:
Return cooked vegetables to the pan with the shrimp. Add lemon juice and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice—or enjoy as-is for a low-carb option.
Tips
Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp:
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
High Heat is Key:
Use medium-high to high heat when stir-frying so the shrimp sears nicely and the veggies stay crisp—not soggy.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp:
Shrimp cook quickly—just 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
Cut Veggies Evenly:
Slice mushrooms and cut asparagus into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
Add Lemon at the End:
Lemon juice should be added at the end of cooking to keep its bright, zesty flavor intact.
Variations
Extra Garlicky Version:
Double the garlic or add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Try garlic-infused olive oil for a subtle boost.
Add Cheese:
Top with crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for a rich, salty contrast.
Make It Spicy:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne while cooking shrimp.
Add Onions or Shallots:
Sauté sliced red onions or shallots with the mushrooms for a sweet-savory base.
Low-Carb Version:
Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or just enjoy on its own as a protein-veggie bowl.
Grain Bowl Version:
Serve over cooked couscous, quinoa, or brown rice. Add hummus or tzatziki on the side.
Add Tomatoes:
Stir in halved cherry tomatoes in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a sweet, juicy burst.
Add Greens:
Toss in baby spinach or arugula at the end—let it wilt slightly in the residual heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but for best texture, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. Fresh asparagus and mushrooms yield better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
A: Definitely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Q: What’s a good vegetarian alternative to shrimp?
A: Try chickpeas, tofu cubes, or even halloumi slices sautéed with the same seasonings.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just ensure any sides (like couscous) are gluten-free if needed.
Q: Can I make this dish creamy?
A: You can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, tahini, or a splash of cream at the end for a light creamy sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: ~260
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~480mg
Note: Values may vary depending on the size of shrimp, amount of oil used, and whether cheese or sides are added.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Stir-Fried Shrimp with Asparagus & Mushrooms is a fast, fresh, and nourishing meal that’s full of flavor and flexibility. It blends the clean, zesty notes of lemon and herbs with the savory richness of shrimp and mushrooms, offering a satisfying dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it over grains, greens, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a go-to weeknight winner that feels gourmet with minimal effort.