Let the bright, fresh, and summery taste of fresh sauteed asparagus be the star of your next dinner party!
Delicious and fresh, the taste of in-season asparagus has a way of bringing a meal together. In particular, spring and summer nights spent dining on the patio or opening the windows to let in the night breeze pair well with this light and easy dish. Lay out the table cloth, pour yourself a glass of white wine, and bring together some good company to create the evening. With only seven ingredients and ten minutes, you’ll enjoy this seasonal side.
When dining on this underrated hero, you can think of centuries of dinners that came before you. Asparagus has been enjoyed from recipes dating back to the 4th century AD. Recorded in the oldest cookbook on human record, known as Apicius, the Romans enjoyed recipes with this simple veggie. It makes you wonder what the ancient conversations would have been like, gathered around an open flame and a flask of savored wine. Would they have wondered about our conversations in centuries to come as well?
You’ll enjoy the effortlessness of sauteed asparagus, and the versatility of what you can pair it just like the Romans did! From fish to chicken to steak off the grill, you can find numerous ways to enjoy this recipe. The asparagus is full of vitamins and nutrients, including fiber, B6, and vitamin C, which make it a healthy option for any occasion. The dish itself pairs the snappy, fresh vegetable with a mix of garlic and zesty lemon juice. Highlighting the subtle taste of the asparagus with the rich flavors helps even everything out for your dinner plate.
Planning your next get together? Try pairing your asparagus with some Lemon Butter Salmon, Grilled BBQ Chicken, or Grilled Filet Mignon to impress your loved ones. Fresh ingredients and classic flavors are always a winning combination.
Picking Fresh Asparagus
When you’re at the grocery store or market looking for fresh asparagus for your side, there are a few things you can look for to ensure a quality batch. To start, you’ll want to select stalks that are firm and not floppy. A rubbery consistency indicates the vegetable is starting to expire. The color should be a light to vibrant green, and any yellowing or browning would also indicate it’s no longer fresh. Lastly, when looking at the tip of the asparagus, you’ll want to see they are closed and tight; any opening of the top can also be a bad sign.
For sauteing, it’s favorable to select a slimmer cut of asparagus as opposed to a larger type of stalk. By selecting a thinner stalk, you can ensure even sauteing and avoid a mushy or unsavory consistency. Thicker stalks work well for soups or grilling/charring. Some may also find that a thinner selection improves the texture, making it less chewy or unpleasant to eat after the sauteing process.
How to Make Ahead and Store?
You can prepare and store your asparagus in an air-tight container for up to three days. Once ready to reheat, you can gently reheat the dish in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
What Temperature is Best for Cooking?
When sauteing your dish, it’s best to use fast, rapid heat. This allows for even cooking of your asparagus but also gives the vegetable a snappy texture, which keeps it from overcooking. The best method includes a hot pan, which has been allowed to come to high heat quickly before placing the butter and then asparagus in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
The great part of the simple yet elevated sauteed asparagus is that the possibilities are endless. From The Best Hamburger Ever to Grilled Chicken Skewers, you’ll find almost any well-executed dinner will pair well with this recipe. Bring in sides such as Baked Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sour Cream and finish with a warm Apple Pie, and you’ll have a well-rounded dinner for friends, family, or just to treat yourself.
Sauteed Asparagus
Ingredients Â
- 1 lb fresh asparagus ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
InstructionsÂ
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the asparagus and garlic to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Saute for about 4-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and toss to coat evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
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