asparagus pan fried recipe

asparagus pan fried recipe

The Best asparagus pan fried recipe

I’ve been making this pan-fried asparagus recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites.

They can’t get enough of the tender asparagus and the savory flavors that come together in this dish. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly it can be prepared and cooked. The key to this recipe is using fresh asparagus and pan-frying it with some olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.

It’s a simple yet impressive side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special events. I’ve even served it at potlucks and received rave reviews. The health benefits of asparagus are well-documented, and I feel good about serving it to my family.

Plus, it’s a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables! In addition to its health benefits, asparagus is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to salads, or use it as a topping for soups or pasta dishes.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your taste preferences. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the lemon juice altogether.

Pan Fried Asparagus

Pan Fried Asparagus

4.9 from 1957 votes

Crisp tender asparagus spears quickly pan fried in butter with garlic and lemon. This simple side dish is ready in minutes and pairs well with any main course.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time13 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Asparagus

1 pound fresh asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.
2Snap off the woody ends where they naturally break, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
3Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the butter.
4Once the butter has melted and begins to sizzle, about 1 minute, add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5Add the asparagus spears to the skillet in a single layer.
6Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the spears are bright green and tender crisp when pierced with a fork.
7Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the asparagus.
8Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then toss gently to coat.
9Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
10Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Knife
Cutting board
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For best results, use medium thick asparagus spears. Thinner spears cook faster, so reduce cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. You can substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy free version.

Watch Video Of How Pan Fried Asparagus Works

This pan-fried asparagus recipe is always a hit at our family gatherings and potlucks – not just because of its delicious taste but also due to its ease of preparation!

One thing that makes this dish truly special is how well it stores: simply reheat any leftovers in a pan with some additional olive oil until crispy again (or toss them into salads later).

This versatility makes this simple yet impressive side dish perfect for everyday meals or special occasions alike.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pan Fried Asparagus

What type of asparagus should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using fresh asparagus spears that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. You can use either green or purple asparagus, whichever you prefer. If you’re looking for an extra burst of flavor, try using white asparagus – it has a slightly sweeter taste than green or purple varieties.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The beauty of pan-fried asparagus is that it can be made ahead of time with minimal effort required when reheating it. Simply prepare the asparagus up until the point where you’d normally add the garlic and lemon juice – then refrigerate until ready to reheat.

How do I store leftover asparagus?

If you find yourself with leftover asparagus after dinner (which I’m sure won’t happen!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer-term storage.

Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?

Olive oil adds a distinct flavor profile that pairs well with the delicate taste of asparagus – but if you don’t have olive oil on hand or prefer not to use it, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead.

Is there anything else I can add to make this recipe more interesting?

You can definitely experiment with different seasonings and herbs to give your pan-fried asparagus an extra boost of flavor! Some options include adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme; sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top; or even tossing in some toasted pine nuts for added crunch.

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