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A vibrant healthy dinner recipe featuring rice and assorted vegetables in a bowl.

Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp & Asparagus with Quinoa

This Zesty Lemon-Herb Shrimp & Asparagus with Quinoa is a flavorful and healthy dish that comes together quickly. Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and fluffy quinoa make for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • large skillet or wok
  • fork

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

Cooking steps

  • In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth, then boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  • Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  • While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic, asparagus pieces, oregano, and thyme; cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp.
  • Add peeled shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Remove skillet from heat, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
  • Spoon cooked quinoa into bowls and top with the zesty lemon-herb shrimp and asparagus mixture; serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and herbs. Feel free to substitute other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for asparagus.