Shrimp and Asparagus

What You Need:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, deveined and tails removed
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into thirds and tough ends discarded
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 thin slices fresh ginger
• ¼ cup gluten free chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons Tamari sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh lime wedges
• Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)

What You Do:

1. In a re-sealable plastic bag, have your child combine the shrimp and curry paste.
2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and cook the shrimp until they begin to turn pink. Remove the shrimp to a platter.
3. In the same pan, add the asparagus, garlic, and ginger and cook for a few minutes, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and the asparagus is just beginning to soften.
4. Help your child add the chicken stock, fish sauce, and Tamari sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan, add the pepper, and stir everything together. Remove from the heat, add the green onions, and season with salt to taste.
6. Just before serving, remove the garlic and ginger pieces (if desired).
7. Plate over steamed rice and sprinkle with about a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds.
8. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
9. This dish has just a whisper of heat, so for those who like it spicy, add some sriracha or hot sauce.

Tip: How do you know where to break off the end of the asparagus? It's easy! Just bend the spear back with your fingers and it will naturally snap off at the right place.

Did You Know?

Asparagus is part of the lily family, related to onions, leeks, and garlic. About 70% of the asparagus produced in the United States is grown in California. One of the most popular types of green asparagus is named after President George Washington’s wife, Martha Washington.