Description
This simple and delicious Sautéed Asparagus recipe features fresh asparagus quickly cooked in olive oil with garlic, seasoned with salt and pepper, and optionally served with lemon wedges for a bright finish. It’s a perfect side dish that’s tender-crisp, flavorful, and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Pieces of lemon wedges, for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the woody ends by snapping them off or cutting with a knife to ensure tender pieces.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat before adding the next ingredients.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma to flavor the oil.
- Add Asparagus and Season: Toss the trimmed asparagus into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to coat the asparagus evenly with garlic and oil.
- Cook the Asparagus: Continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp, adjusting time for desired tenderness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrusy flavor. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for softer or firmer asparagus according to preference.
- Use fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Optional Parmesan cheese adds a savory twist, but omit for a dairy-free version.
- Lemon wedges brighten the dish and balance the richness of olive oil and garlic.
- Trim woody ends of asparagus carefully to avoid tough bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sautéed asparagus, garlic asparagus, easy asparagus recipe, healthy side dish, quick vegetable side, asparagus with lemon
