Lemon Shrimp with Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice

Lemon Shrimp with Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice is super simple to make, low carb, and makes for a quick 20-minute weeknight dinner.

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I handed my son a tiny seed. Little fingers covered with dirt, carefully placed it in the groove ever so gently. We repeated the process for a few minutes, until his interest faded and he eagerly moved on to opening the next packet of seeds, curiously exploring its contents.

The sun warm on my skin, hands in dirt, gave me a sense of connection and pause. The process of preparing the soil, slowly breaking up large chunks while observing the life within it is humbling. Growing food used to intimidate me. I'm terrible with houseplants so I was sure this was going to be a flop the first time I tried it. But to my surprise, things grew. 

I only have two raised beds, but they're a decent size and every year I go through the same feeling. Will this work? Will something actually grow? Seeing the first tiny shoots of green fighting their way through the soil is a beautiful sight.

Gardening enthusiasts may say I'm too early but I couldn't wait any longer. The weather finally looks to be on track with spring (this may come back and bite me) so despite my natural tendency, I'll be an optimist. 

Though one vegetable that I'm crazy over but didn't plant is asparagus. Asparagus takes up its own plot year after year and I just don't have the space to dedicate to this lovely vegetable. 

But while I didn't plant it myself, it is asparagus season. If you suddenly notice asparagus prices dropping at your grocery store or farmer's market, that's why. While most of us have access to it year round, I don't believe it ever tastes as delicious as it does when it's in season and hasn't had to travel thousands of miles to reach us. So for today's dish, I wanted to use asparagus.

Lemon Shrimp with Asparagus and Cauliflower rice is

• A 20 minute weeknight dinner
• Customizable
• Healthy and delicious
• Grain, gluten and dairy-free
• Paleo
• Keto
• Whole 30 approved
• Low carb
• Delicious

Making Lemon Shrimp with Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients for Lemon Shrimp

• 2 small garlic cloves minced
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• zest of one lemon
• 7 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 4 cups cooked cauliflower rice
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• ¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

Equipment Needed For Lemon Shrimp

• Cast iron pan
• Roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl

How To Make It

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400.

Step 2. In a small bowl, mix lemon zest with ¼ cup olive oil.

Step 3. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and add asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Toss asparagus and roast for 8 minutes on middle rack, turning once half way. You still want a bite to it.

Step 4. Preheat skillet, add 2 tablespoon olive oil along with chopped shallot and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes stirring regularly. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 5. Add shrimp to skillet, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring a few times.

Step 6. When shrimp is cooked, add reserved lemon oil, cooked cauliflower rice, and toss to combine. Season with additional salt if you wish.

Step 7. Finish with fresh basil and parsley.

Step 8. Serve with roasted asparagus and additional herbs if you wish.

FAQs Tips + Substitutions 

Where Can You Find Cauliflower Rice

For the cauliflower rice, you have a few options. You can make your own, buy already riced, which is typically my go to when I don't have time to make it.

If You Don't Like Cauliflower Rice

You don't have to stick with the low carb, keto version for this recipe and can easily substitute quinoa or rice, which I often do. 

Can You Use Something Besides Shrimp

If you don't have shrimp, you can try this recipe with with scallops or any calamari, or you could make a combination of all 3 if you're looking to get creative. 

s="wp-block-heading">Asparagus Substitution

Asparagus is usually best in spring and summer, so a good alternative is steamed green beans or snow peas or any other kind of green vegetable you enjoy. Broccoli would also work in this case. 

What If You Can't Find Shallots

If you can't find a large shallot, two medium or 3 small will do the trick. A small sweet onion will work as well as a substitute. 

More Shrimp Recipes You May Like

• Citrus Avocado and Shrimp Salad with Roasted Fennel (Paleo, Whole 30)
• Honey Lime Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple (Paleo)
• Air Fryer Shrimp Fajita Bowl (Keto, Stovetop Option)