Description
Mouthwatering garlic sautéed asparagus delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal ingredients. Crisp green spears shine when kissed by garlic and olive oil, promising a simple yet elegant side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse asparagus under cool water, carefully snipping off the tough, fibrous ends to ensure tender, palatable stalks.
- Pat asparagus completely dry with paper towels to prevent splattering and promote even cooking.
- Select a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium temperature until it develops a subtle shimmer, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce finely minced garlic to the heated oil, stirring rapidly for 20-30 seconds until aromatic, being cautious to prevent browning.
- Gently deposit prepared asparagus into the skillet, tossing meticulously to coat with fragrant garlic-infused oil.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the asparagus, ensuring balanced seasoning.
- Sauté the asparagus for 5-6 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform cooking and maintain vibrant green coloration.
- During final moments of cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus to enhance brightness and introduce tangy undertones.
- Transfer sautéed asparagus to a serving platter, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, celebrating the delicate texture and robust garlic-infused profile of the dish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with vibrant green color and tight tips to ensure the best taste and texture.
- Quickly blanch asparagus in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before sautéing to preserve its bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Adjust cooking time based on asparagus thickness – thinner spears cook faster and require less time in the skillet.
- Customize the dish by adding toasted almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, or experimenting with different herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg