Description
Crisp, tender sautéed asparagus dances with garlic and olive oil, creating a simple yet elegant side dish. Bright green spears deliver fresh Mediterranean flavors that complement any main course while offering a quick, nutritious addition you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, trimmed
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse asparagus under cold running water, ensuring complete cleanliness and removing any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the tough, woody bottom ends of the asparagus spears, creating uniform and tender stalks.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil becomes shimmering and hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully arrange asparagus spears in a single layer across the skillet, ensuring each piece makes direct contact with the heated surface.
- Sauté asparagus for 4-5 minutes, gently rotating and flipping the spears every minute to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Introduce finely minced garlic to the skillet, stirring continuously for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Season the asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Enhance the dish’s brightness by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the sautéed asparagus, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
- Gently toss the asparagus to distribute seasonings and garlic evenly, ensuring each spear is coated with delicious aromatics.
- Transfer the sizzling asparagus to a serving platter, garnishing with additional lemon wedges for optional extra citrus tang.
Notes
- Select fresh, firm asparagus with vibrant green color and tight tips, avoiding any limp or yellowing stalks for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut woody ends quickly, angling the blade to remove only the tough, fibrous bottom portion without wasting too much of the tender vegetable.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese to customize the dish and keep it exciting for repeat meals.
- Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using alternative oils like avocado or coconut oil for those with olive oil sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 119
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg