lemon butter asparagus recipe

The Best lemon butter asparagus recipe

I’ve always been a fan of simple yet flavorful recipes, and this lemon butter asparagus recipe is one of my absolute favorites. The combination of tender asparagus, rich lemon butter, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is just perfect. I first discovered this recipe on a family vacation to Italy, where it’s a staple in many Italian households.

The Italians have a way of elevating simple ingredients into something truly special, and this recipe is no exception. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s also incredibly versatile – I like to serve it as a side dish for weeknight dinners, but it’s also perfect for special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is the way it showcases the natural flavor of asparagus. So often, we rely on heavy sauces or seasonings to mask the taste of vegetables, but this lemon butter sauce lets the delicate flavor of the asparagus shine through. Of course, the key to making this recipe work is in the cooking technique.

You want to cook the asparagus just until it’s tender, but still crisp – any longer and it will become mushy. And don’t overcook the lemon butter sauce either – you want it to be nice and creamy, not too runny or too thick. My family loves this recipe almost as much as I do – my kids will devour an entire bunch in one sitting (much to their father’s dismay!)

It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. I’ve also been experimenting with different variations on this recipe – adding some garlic or shallots to the sauce for extra depth of flavor, or using different types of cheese for a unique twist. But at its core, this recipe remains one of my absolute favorites.

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive side dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this lemon butter asparagus recipe.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

4.6 from 728 votes

A delightful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears cooked with a rich lemon butter sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and discard.
3Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4Toss to coat evenly.
5Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.
6While the asparagus is roasting, melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, or on the stove top over medium low heat.
7Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Set aside.
8Once the asparagus is done roasting, remove it from the oven.
9Immediately pour the lemon butter sauce over the asparagus, and toss to coat evenly.
10Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Small bowl
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 20g❤️Cholesterol: 81mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.

This lemon butter asparagus recipe is one that never fails me – whether I’m serving it at home or taking it to a potluck gathering. It’s easy enough to make that even beginners can tackle it with confidence.

And let me tell you – once you’ve tried making your own lemon butter sauce from scratch (it only takes 5 minutes!) , you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Butter Asparagus

Q: What type of asparagus should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either green or purple asparagus – both will work beautifully. If you want to get fancy, you can even use a combination of both for a stunning presentation.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, I don’t recommend making the entire dish ahead of time. The lemon butter sauce will separate if left out too long, so it’s best to make it just before serving.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for parmesan?

While parmesan is traditional in this recipe, you can definitely substitute other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer. Just keep in mind that each cheese will give a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How do I know when the asparagus is cooked just right?

The key is to cook the asparagus until it’s tender but still crisp – any longer and it will become mushy. To check for doneness, simply pierce one spear with a fork – if it slides in easily but still has some resistance at the end, it’s done.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to add garlic or shallots to the sauce for extra depth of flavor, or use different types of cheese for a unique twist.

Q: How do I store leftovers from this recipe?

Simply store any leftover lemon butter sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – reheat gently before serving.

Similar Posts