Asparagus - Seashore Style(Microwave)
A creamy, flavorful asparagus dish with shrimp, topped with bread crumbs and paprika, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place frozen asparagus in water and cook, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Blend together the cream of shrimp soup, softened cream cheese, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir in the small shrimp.
- Place cooked asparagus in a casserole dish and pour the shrimp mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and garnish with paprika.
- Cook on full power in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or lemon zest to the shrimp mixture. If you don't have cream of shrimp soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste. To make it lighter, use low-fat cream cheese. Make sure to not overcook the asparagus; it should be tender but still crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or a light salad. Consider adding a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a light seafood dish, such as Basic Broiled Fish, to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and asparagus.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. If the dish seems dry, a splash of water or broth can help keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus - Seashore Style(Microwave) contains roughly 434 calories, with 25g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1857mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh asparagus instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh asparagus can be used instead of frozen. Just trim the ends and blanch in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before proceeding with the recipe. This will ensure the asparagus retains its vibrant color and crisp texture in the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp and substitute the cream of shrimp soup with cream of vegetable or mushroom soup. For added protein, consider using chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to maintain a satisfying texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños into the shrimp mixture. You could also serve it with a spicy hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick in their seafood recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).