Grilled Shrimp with Asparagus and Sweet Potato

Ingredients

• Shrimp 5 oz
• Asparagus 1 cup
• Sweet potato 1 small
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic powder 1/4 tsp
• Lemon wedge 1

Method

1. Prepare the sweet potato. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and pat it dry. Pierce the sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Place it on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and bake for about 25-30 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
   Tip: To check if the sweet potato is done, insert a fork or knife; it should slide in easily without resistance.
2. Prepare the shrimp. While the sweet potato is baking, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add half the olive oil (1/2 tbsp), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss the shrimp gently to coat evenly with the seasoning.
   Tip: If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking by placing it in cold water for about 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the asparagus. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by bending each stalk gently until it snaps naturally. Rinse under cold water. Set up a steaming basket over boiling water and steam the asparagus for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
   Tip: Do not overcook asparagus; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
4. Grill the shrimp. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill surface with the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp as they will become rubbery; cook just until they turn pink and curl slightly.
5. Assemble and serve. Slice the baked sweet potato open and fluff the inside with a fork. Arrange the steamed asparagus and grilled shrimp on a plate alongside the sweet potato. Optionally, squeeze a lemon wedge over the shrimp for a fresh flavor boost. Serve immediately.
   Tip: You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra color and flavor.

Pro tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly.
• To speed up sweet potato cooking, you can microwave it for 5-7 minutes before finishing in the oven.