Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry: 3 Easy Steps to Yum

Name: Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or preferred cooking oil); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Salt & pepper, to taste; Cooked rice or noodles, for serving; Sesame seeds & green onions, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Some days, dinner needs to be fast. Not “throw a frozen pizza in the oven” fast, but real-food, actually-good-for-you fast. That’s where this Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry swoops in like your kitchen superhero—cape optional.

This recipe has everything you crave on a busy weeknight: juicy shrimp, crisp-tender asparagus, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite. Plus, it’s ready in the time it takes your favorite sitcom to finish an episode. And the best part? You can make it with just one pan, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry

Here’s the thing—I’ve made a lot of quick dinners over the years, and this one checks all the boxes:

Fast – From chopping board to dinner table in about 20 minutes.
Healthy but satisfying – Plenty of veggies with a protein boost from shrimp.
Crowd-pleaser – Even picky eaters will sneak seconds (trust me, I’ve seen it).
Customizable – Swap in whatever veggies you’ve got hanging out in the fridge.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you actually have it together… even if the laundry pile says otherwise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or your go-to cooking oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but so good)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Sesame seeds & green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step : How To Make Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry

1. Prep the Shrimp and Veggies

Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them really dry with paper towels. (Moisture = less sear, and we want those golden edges.)
Season lightly with salt and pepper; set aside.
Wash and trim the asparagus, then cut into 2-inch pieces.
Slice the bell pepper into thin strips.
Rinse and trim the snap peas.
Mince the garlic and ginger—fresh really makes the flavors pop here.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and water until smooth. This is your magic stir fry glue—it’ll make everything glossy and flavorful.

3. Stir Fry Time

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add oil and swirl to coat.
Toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let them burn!).
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes without moving them. Flip, cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from pan.
Add asparagus and bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add snap peas; stir fry 2 minutes more.
Return shrimp to the pan. Pour in sauce. Stir well so everything is coated.
Cook another 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of water. Taste, season if needed.

Tips for the Best Stir Fry

Hot pan = success – Stir fry is all about high heat and quick cooking.
Don’t crowd the shrimp – If you do, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Meal prep friendly – Chop all your veggies in the morning so dinner’s even faster.

Serving Suggestions

Pile your Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or slurp-worthy noodles. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for that extra “I’m-a-pro” touch.

This dish works just as well for a quick Tuesday night dinner as it does for impressing last-minute guests. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing—like you’ve been working on dinner all afternoon, when really you’ve been catching up on your favorite show.

Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry with juicy shrimp, fresh asparagus, and savory sauce served on a white plate. — Savory Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry loaded with fresh vegetables and tender shrimp, ready in just 20 minutes for a healthy, flavorful meal.

FAQs About Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry

Can I substitute another protein?

Absolutely. Chicken, beef, tofu, or even scallops all work well—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a skillet to keep veggies crisp.

Do I have to use oyster sauce?

Nope! It adds a rich, savory flavor, but you can leave it out or replace it with a splash more soy sauce.

Your Next Go-To Weeknight Dinner

When life gets busy, Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry is that perfect balance of healthy, fast, and absolutely delicious. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the people (and maybe the Netflix show) you love. So next time you need a dinner win, grab some shrimp, a bunch of asparagus, and let your skillet do the magic.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this quick and colorful stir fry, you might also enjoy exploring these flavorful dishes from the blog:

Switch up your seafood nights with this Irresistible Creamy Coconut Shrimp recipe ready in just 30 minutes—rich, silky, and bursting with tropical flair.
For another easy shrimp favorite, check out 5 irresistible slow cooker shrimp recipes to elevate your meal game for more set-it-and-forget-it dinner inspiration.
Craving chicken instead? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is juicy, flavorful, and just as quick as your stir fry.
Keep the weeknight magic going with a cozy plate of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.