Easy Sautéed Asparagus | Simple Stovetop Recipe
on Oct 16, 2023, Updated Nov 19, 2024
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Easy Sautéed Asparagus really is as simple as the recipe name implies, just a basic stovetop recipe that’s ready in no time! Seasoned with butter and garlic, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes for tender, crisp asparagus that goes well with everything.
Sautéed asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of this seasonal vegetable, yelling to the world that Spring is here! With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can create a side dish that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious.
The most important aspect of this basic recipe is to be sure to get the hardest, woody parts of the asparagus removed, and to cook just until the level of crisp-tender you’re looking for!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- Popular Substitutions and Variations
- How To Make Sautéed Asparagus
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips
- What To Serve With Asparagus
- The Best Way to Store Fresh Asparagus
- Try These Other Amazing Asparagus Recipes
- More Vegetable Sides To Consider
- Easy Sautéed Asparagus | Simple Stovetop Recipe Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
- Classic Flavors: Celebrates fresh asparagus with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan.
- So Fast: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy dinners or unexpected guests.
- Easy & Fancy: Just a touch of “fancy” to serve to your family on a busy weeknight or to a special dinner guest. They don’t have to know how easy it was to make!
- Serve with Anything: Complements a variety of dishes like this whole baked chicken, steak, baked spaghetti or a vegetable medley.
🌼 Spring is full of green goodness coming out of the garden after a quiet winter, and I make a LOT of stovetop sauteed asparagus during this season!
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus – Examine the tips of the asparagus. They should be tightly closed and firm, with no signs of wilting or flowering (when the tips start to open and look feathery). Tight tips are a sign of freshness.
- Garlic
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh lemon
- Parmesan cheese – Skip the bottled stuff and go for the fresh block to grate at home!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Oils Galore: While olive oil is the traditional choice, you can experiment with different oils to alter the flavor profile. Try avocado oil for a neutral taste, sesame oil for an Asian twist, or even coconut oil for a hint of tropical flair.
- Citrus Alternatives: If you don’t have a lemon on hand, substitute with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique and zesty twist. Each citrus variety offers its own delightful flavor.
- Seasonal Additions: Embrace seasonal ingredients by tossing in other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even spring peas. This creates a vibrant medley of flavors and textures.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sautéed asparagus. The subtle spiciness provides an extra layer of complexity.
How To Make Sautéed Asparagus
Step 1: Prepare the asparagus. Wash and trim them by snapping off the tough ends.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add trimmed asparagus to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and saute for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness.
Step 4: Transfer sautéed asparagus to a plate and enjoy immediately.
Recipe FAQs
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best results, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry of any extra moisture before sautéing.
Absolutely! Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil or even butter if you prefer.
The asparagus should be vibrant green and tender yet slightly crisp. Taste testing is the best way to determine if they are done.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Beware of overcooking, as asparagus can quickly turn from perfectly tender-crisp to overly soft and mushy.
- Keep Fresh: Store fresh asparagus by wrapping the base of the stalks in a damp paper towel, then placing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh longer.
- Good Stalks: When purchasing, look for firm spears with closed, compact tips. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender, while thicker stalks can sometimes be woody.
What To Serve With Asparagus
Grilled Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breasts or thighs make for a classic and healthy combination. Season the chicken with herbs or spices that complement the asparagus.
Steak: A juicy steak, whether it’s a filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin, is a luxurious choice to serve alongside asparagus. The contrast between the savory meat and the vibrant asparagus is divine.
Salmon: A perfectly grilled salmon fillet pairs wonderfully with asparagus. The rich, buttery texture of salmon complements the earthy flavor of the asparagus.
Risotto: Asparagus risotto is a match made in heaven. The creamy rice dish combines beautifully with sauteed asparagus for a comforting and elegant meal.
The Best Way to Store Fresh Asparagus
To keep asparagus fresh, trim the ends, place the spears upright in a container with a couple of inches of water, cover them with a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. Use within a few days for the best quality.
Try These Other Amazing Asparagus Recipes
If you enjoy asparagus as a frequent side dish, then you may need a few more recipes to help mix things up a bit.
Here are some of my very favorite asparagus recipes:
- How to Cook Asparagus in a Skillet – The recipe that started the asparagus journey!
- Asparagus Soup
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Easy Grilled Asparagus
More Vegetable Sides To Consider
Side Dishes and Salads
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable Sides
Zucchini Fritters
Cornbread Recipes
Zucchini Corn Bread
Vegetable Sides
Baked Cauliflower
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Easy Sautéed Asparagus | Simple Stovetop Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus spears, about 1 pound
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ Fresh lemon and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Then, using a knife, trim the tough woody ends. A simple trick to find the right spot to trim is to hold a spear and bend it slightly—the point where it snaps is where you should cut.
- Next, heat your skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Toss in the minced garlic to your hot oil and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as it can turn bitter.
- Gently place the trimmed asparagus spears into the pan. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to move them around, ensuring they get coated with the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to season.
- Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally turning them with the tongs or spoon. You’re aiming for a tender-crisp texture. If you prefer your asparagus softer, you can cook them longer.
- Immediately transfer your sauteed asparagus to a serving plate
Notes
- When purchasing, look for firm spears with closed, compact tips. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender, while thicker stalks can sometimes be woody.
- Store fresh asparagus by wrapping the base of the stalks in a damp paper towel, then placing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh longer.
- Medium-high heat ensures a nice sear on the asparagus while still keeping them vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Beware of overcooking, as asparagus can quickly turn from perfectly tender-crisp to overly soft and mushy.
