Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Asparagus & Mushrooms

This Mediterranean-style shrimp stir-fry is quick, colorful, and full of fresh, bright flavors. Juicy shrimp, tender asparagus, and earthy mushrooms are tossed together with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of soy for balance. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests. It’s fresh, healthy, and ready before you know it — a simple meal that celebrates Mediterranean ingredients with a touch of Asian flair.

Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

Total Time: 18–20 minutes

Ingredients:

300g shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

½ tsp black pepper

Optional: chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice

Instructions:

Prep the ingredients:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Trim and cut the asparagus, and slice the mushrooms.

Heat the oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil (or sesame oil) over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.

Sear the shrimp:
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1½–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the asparagus and mushrooms, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Combine and season:
Return the shrimp to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce (or tamari), sprinkle with black pepper, and toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and well coated.

Finish and serve:
Turn off the heat and, if desired, add a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm on its own or over rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Tips & Variations

Get the Shrimp Just Right
Shrimp cook in minutes — about 1½ to 2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they’re ready.

Prep Everything Before Cooking
This stir-fry moves quickly. Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start heating the pan — shrimp, vegetables, garlic, and sauce — so nothing overcooks.

Use High Heat for a Quick Sear
Cooking over medium-high heat helps the shrimp and vegetables caramelize slightly without turning soggy. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the ingredients will steam instead of sear.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches. Too many ingredients at once will lower the temperature, and you’ll lose that crisp, stir-fried texture.

Balance the Flavors
The soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor. A splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds brightness and keeps the dish fresh.

Choose Fresh, Crisp Asparagus
Look for firm, bright-green asparagus with tight tips. Thinner stalks cook faster and work best for quick stir-fries.

Swap or Add Vegetables

Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas make great substitutes or additions.

You can also add spinach or kale near the end for a quick wilted green.

Add Mediterranean Touches

Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes, olives, or capers before serving for extra flavor.

A sprinkle of feta cheese or grated Parmesan can add a creamy-salty contrast.

Adjust the Heat
If you like it spicy, use chili flakes, a dash of harissa, or fresh chopped chili. For a milder version, skip the spice and finish with just lemon juice and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa to soak up the sauce.

For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is for a light meal.

Add a side of warm pita or crusty bread to complete the Mediterranean feel.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent them from searing properly and dilute the flavor.

Q: What kind of mushrooms work best?
Both button and cremini mushrooms are great choices. Cremini (baby bella) add a deeper, earthier flavor, while button mushrooms are milder and soak up the garlic beautifully.

Q: Can I make this without soy sauce?
Absolutely. Replace soy sauce with tamari (for gluten-free), liquid aminos, or even a mix of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a lighter, fresher flavor.

Q: How can I tell when the asparagus is cooked?
Asparagus should be bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy. It only takes a few minutes to cook through in a stir-fry.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep everything in advance — trim the asparagus, slice the mushrooms, and peel the shrimp. When you’re ready to eat, cooking takes less than 10 minutes.

Q: What can I serve this with?
Serve it over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a hearty meal, or pair it with a Mediterranean salad and a slice of crusty bread for something lighter.

Q: How do I make it creamier or richer?
Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or light cream at the end for a creamy finish, or drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil right before serving.

Nutrition

(Per Serving, Approx. 2–3 Servings)

Calories: 280

Protein: 28g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Carbohydrates: 7g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 3g

Cholesterol: 190mg

Sodium: 620mg

Potassium: 520mg

(Values may vary slightly depending on oil type, shrimp size, and added ingredients.)

Conclusion

Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Asparagus & Mushrooms is the kind of dish that proves healthy food can be quick, vibrant, and full of flavor. The shrimp stay juicy, the vegetables crisp, and the garlic-lemon sauce ties it all together in under 20 minutes. It’s light but satisfying, perfect for a busy weeknight or a clean, energizing lunch. Serve it on its own or over grains, and you’ll have a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels as good as it tastes.