Garlicky Shrimp with Asparagus Fries and Meyer Lemon Aioli

THIS SHEET PAN SHRIMP WITH ASPARAGUS FRIES IS THE WEEKNIGHT MEAL YOU NEED

A hot oven is imperative to ensure that these fries emerge golden and crisp but the shrimp don’t overcook in this easy sheet-pan dinner. Tender asparagus spear make irresistible fries, but you could sub in zucchini spears, squash slices or even mushrooms. If you can’t find Meyer lemons, substitute any citrus.

Ingredients

For the Meyer lemon aioli:

• 1 garlic clove
• Kosher salt
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) canola oil
• Grated zest and juice of 1 Meyer lemon

For the shrimp:

• 1 1/4 lb. (625 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails intact
• 3 Tbs. olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the asparagus fries:

• 1/2 cup (2 1/2 oz./75 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g) panko
• 1/4 cup (1 oz./30 g) finely grated pecorino cheese
• 1 lb. (500 g) asparagus
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

1. To make the aioli, in a food processor, combine the garlic and a big pinch of salt and pulse several times until the garlic is finely chopped. Add the egg and egg yolk and pulse to combine. With the machine running, slowly add a few drops of the canola oil and then follow with a slow and steady stream of oil. Continue to process until fully combined and emulsified. Transfer the aioli to a bowl, stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with salt. Set aside at room temperature.

2. Preheat an oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, line with aluminum foil and spray again.

3. To prepare the shrimp, in a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, mustard and lemon juice, and season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature.

4. To prepare the asparagus fries, place the flour in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 Tbs. water. In a third bowl, stir together the panko and cheese, and season generously with salt and pepper. Cut or snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and discard. Dredge each asparagus spear in the flour, lightly coating on all sides, then dip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Roll in the panko to coat completely. Place the asparagus in a single layer on one end of the prepared pan and season with salt. Place the shrimp on the other end of the pan.

5. Roast until the shrimp are opaque throughout and the fries are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Garnish the shrimp with the parsley and serve immediately with the fries and aioli. Serves 4.

Recipe adapted from Williams Sonoma Sheet Pan Suppers Cookbook, by Kate McMillan