Sautéed Asparagus is a delicious side dish featuring tender asparagus spears lightly cooked in garlic-infused olive oil, resulting in a savory, vibrant, and nutritious addition to any meal.
½Fresh lemon and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheeseoptional
Instructions
Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Then, using a knife, trim the tough woody ends. A simple trick to find the right spot to trim is to hold a spear and bend it slightly—the point where it snaps is where you should cut.
Next, heat your skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
Toss in the minced garlic to your hot oil and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as it can turn bitter.
Gently place the trimmed asparagus spears into the pan. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to move them around, ensuring they get coated with the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to season.
Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally turning them with the tongs or spoon. You’re aiming for a tender-crisp texture. If you prefer your asparagus softer, you can cook them longer.
Immediately transfer your sauteed asparagus to a serving plate
Notes
For an extra flavor, grate some fresh parmesan or squeeze some lemon juice over the sautéed asparagus.
When purchasing, look for firm spears with closed, compact tips. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender, while thicker stalks can sometimes be woody.
Store fresh asparagus by wrapping the base of the stalks in a damp paper towel, then placing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh longer.
Medium-high heat ensures a nice sear on the asparagus while still keeping them vibrant green and tender-crisp.
Beware of overcooking, as asparagus can quickly turn from perfectly tender-crisp to overly soft and mushy.