Easy Wafu Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus
This Japanese-style wafu pasta with shrimp and asparagus is seasoned with soy sauce and flavorful dashi broth. You can make it in less than 30 minutes and it’s also gluten free!
This Japanese-style wafu pasta with shrimp and asparagus is seasoned with soy sauce and flavorful dashi broth. You can make it in less than 30 minutes and it’s also gluten free!
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp gluten free soy sauce
- salt (kosher or sea salt; use half if using table
- â¼ red onion ((1/4 onion = 2.5 oz = 70 g))
- 6 oz asparagus ((6 oz = 170 g))
- 10 large prawn ((peeled and deveined)(10 prawns = 0.6 oz =
- 1-2 dried red chili pepper ((seeds removed) (opt
- â¼-1/3 cup dashi ((60-80 ml))
- crushed red peppers (red pepper flakes) ((optiona
- 8 oz gluten free pasta ((4 oz/113 g per person i used linguini))
- Carbohydrate 2.132223125 g
- Cholesterol 15.265 mg
- Fat 9.02008875 g
- Fiber 0.195781246066093 g
- Protein 1.128421875 g
- Saturated Fat 4.09894225 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (221g)
- Sodium 392.77325 mg
- Sugar 1.93644187893391 g
- Trans Fat 0.500164749999998 g
- Calories 91 calories
Step-by-step
- Gather all the ingredients and bring a big pot of water to boil.
- Meanwhile cut red onion and garlic cloves into thin slices.
- Cut asparagus diagonally and separate spears and stalks, we will sauté asparagus stalks first as they take longer to cook.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on prawn. If your prawn is not peeled or deveined, you can check my tutorial for instructions.
- Once the pasta water is boiling, for 4QT (16 cups or 3.8L) add 2 Tbsp salt. As we will cook the pasta a little longer after draining, cook it 1 minute less than the directions on the package.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add prawn and cook until the bottom side is nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t touch the shrimp until it releases itself from the skillet. Once it has nice char on one side, you can easily flip.
- When the one side of the shrimp is nicely browned, flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Once the shrimp are nicely golden brown, transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium low, add the butter and swirl around.
- Add the red onion and garlic slices and sauté for 1 minute. If you like spicy pasta, add chili pepper now. Increase the heat to medium and add the stalks of asparagus. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until asparagus stalks become tender.
- Then add the spears of asparagus and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the asparagus are tender but still nice and crisp.
- Add the prawn back in to the skillet and increase the heat to medium high heat. Add dashi.
- Add gluten free soy sauce and adjust based on your preference.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine with the ingredients. If you like, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately. Optionally, you can garnish with chili pepper flake.
Easy Wafu Pasta: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy professional, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a monumental task. But trust me, this Easy Wafu Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus is a game-changer. It's quick, it’s flavorful, and it's elegant enough to impress even the most discerning palate. Forget the takeout menus and the endless scrolling through food delivery apps – this recipe is your new weeknight hero.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and the savory umami of the dashi broth creates a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated. The wafu style, with its subtle sweetness and salty depth, adds a unique twist that elevates this pasta beyond your typical weeknight fare. And the best part? It's completely customizable to your taste. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick, or experiment with different types of pasta – linguine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options all work beautifully.
This recipe is more than just a quick meal; it's a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant green of the asparagus, the glistening shrimp, and the glossy sheen of the pasta create a visual masterpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!). It's the kind of dish that makes you feel good, not just because it tastes amazing, but because you know you’ve nourished your body with something wholesome and delicious.
Beyond its weeknight appeal, this pasta is also perfect for entertaining. It’s easy to scale up or down, making it ideal for a casual dinner party or a romantic night in. Imagine impressing your friends with a restaurant-quality meal that you whipped up in under 30 minutes – now that's something to brag about. The clean flavors and elegant presentation make it a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to leave your guests wanting more.
I often find myself gravitating towards quick and easy recipes during the week, but I also want something that's nutritious and satisfying. This Wafu Pasta perfectly fits the bill. It's a balanced meal, packed with protein from the shrimp, fiber from the asparagus, and complex carbohydrates from the pasta. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you feeling full and energized, without the sluggishness that can sometimes accompany heavier meals.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours, too. The ease of preparation, the delicious flavors, and the healthy ingredients make it a true winner. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the joy of creating a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal in just a few short minutes. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
Tips and Variations:
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for an extra kick.
Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add your favorite vegetarian protein source, such as tofu or chickpeas.
Experiment with pasta: Try using different types of pasta, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.
Garnish it: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the pasta just before serving.
Leftovers: This pasta reheats well, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pasta immediately after cooking, while it's still hot and the ingredients are crisp-tender.
Pair the pasta with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy!
