Easy Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare? This Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche is the perfect solution! It’s packed with flavor, utilizes simple ingredients, and comes together quickly, making it ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. This recipe provides a detailed guide, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve quiche perfection. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this quiche is a winner:

* **Easy to Make:** Seriously! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal fuss.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet shrimp, tender asparagus, and creamy custard is simply divine.
* **Versatile:** It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add some cheese, use different vegetables, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This quiche looks beautiful, making it a great option for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful quiche:

**For the Crust (You can also use a store-bought crust to save time):**

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water

**For the Filling:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (small to medium size is best)
* 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese (or Swiss or Parmesan)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish, optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Food processor (optional, for making the crust)
* Rolling pin (if making the crust from scratch)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Skillet

Detailed Instructions: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making your Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche:

**Step 1: Prepare the Crust (or unpackage your store-bought crust)**

* **If making the crust from scratch:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should still be in small pieces – this creates a flaky crust.
* Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
* Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
* **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
* Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
* **Pre-bake the crust (Blind Bake):** This prevents a soggy bottom.
* **Option 1 (Using Pie Weights or Dried Beans):** Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up.
* **Option 2 (Docking):** Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This also helps prevent puffing.
* Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
* Remove the pie weights or beans (if using) and let the crust cool slightly.
* **If using a store-bought crust:** Simply unroll or remove the crust from its packaging and place it into your pie plate. Dock the crust with a fork to prevent puffing and pre-bake as instructed above.

**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**

* **Sauté the Asparagus:** Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add the asparagus and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
* Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
* **Prepare the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
* **Assemble the Quiche:** Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
* Arrange the sautéed asparagus and cooked shrimp over the cheese.
* Pour the custard mixture over the asparagus and shrimp.

**Step 3: Bake the Quiche**

* Bake the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden brown. The center should be just slightly wobbly.
* **Check for Doneness:** To check if the quiche is done, gently shake the pie plate. The center should be mostly set, with just a slight jiggle.
* **Prevent Over-Browning:** If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

**Step 4: Cool and Serve**

* Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set completely.
* Garnish with fresh chopped chives (optional).
* Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Tips for Quiche Perfection

Here are some tips to help you achieve quiche perfection every time:

* **Use Cold Ingredients for the Crust:** Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky crust. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a light and airy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crust Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Pre-Bake the Crust:** This prevents a soggy bottom. No one likes a soggy quiche!
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the quiche. Fresh asparagus, good-quality shrimp, and flavorful cheese will make a big difference.
* **Don’t Overcook the Quiche:** Overcooking can result in a dry, rubbery custard. The quiche is done when the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the quiche to cool slightly before slicing allows the custard to set completely, making it easier to cut and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

This Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche is delicious as is, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
* **Meat:** Substitute the shrimp with cooked bacon, ham, or sausage.
* **Herbs:** Try different herbs, such as dill, parsley, or thyme.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Crustless Quiche:** For a lighter option, skip the crust altogether. Simply grease the pie plate and pour the filling directly into it. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.
* **Dairy-Free Quiche:** Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **Brunch:** Serve it with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries for a complete brunch spread.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy it with a simple salad or a cup of soup for a light and satisfying lunch.
* **Dinner:** Serve it with roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete dinner meal.
* **Appetizer:** Cut it into small squares and serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to a potluck and impress your friends with your culinary skills.

Make Ahead Instructions

This quiche can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

* **Make the Crust Ahead:** The crust can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap.
* **Assemble the Quiche Ahead:** You can assemble the entire quiche (including the custard) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the quiche is cold.
* **Freeze the Quiche:** Baked quiche can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per slice (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams per slice
* Fat: 25-35 grams per slice
* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams per slice

**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Storing Leftovers

* Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough for any occasion. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up quiche perfection in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal! Happy baking!