Ready in 10 minutes, this sautéed asparagus recipe is an easy spring side dish! Lemon juice adds a bright pop of flavor to the tender spears.
Spring is here: let’s make sauteed asparagus! I’ll have this quick and easy recipe on my desk the whole time, and I hope you will too. It’s so simple—you can make it with 5 ingredients in less than 10 minutes—and it’s super versatile. Serve it as a side dish, add it to a frittataor pile it on a grain bowl or a plate of polenta.
The best thing about this sautéed asparagus recipe, however, is how you serve it, it really lets the asparagus shine. It cooks up with a juicy, crisp-tender texture, and a squeeze of lemon juice balances out its herbaceous flavor. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this peak-season veggie.
Sautéed Asparagus Recipe Ingredients
You only need 5 ingredients to make this sautéed asparagus recipe:
- Asparagus, of course! I prefer this recipe with medium or thin asparagus stalks. Save the very thick spear for grilling o roast!
- Extra-virgin olive oil – It adds a rich fruity flavor and helps the asparagus soften as it cooks.
- Fresh lemon juice – For light.
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!
Trim the woody ends from the asparagus, and chop the spears into 1-inch pieces. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, and add the asparagus, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the asparagus is bright green and tender, 3 to 6 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your spears.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Then, season to taste and serve. That’s it!
Do you want to change it? Cook the asparagus spears with a clove of minced garlic. You can also skip the lemon juice and pour over the asparagus lemon butter sauceor let a tap of garlic butter melt on the surface.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Serve Sautéed Asparagus
As written, this sautéed asparagus recipe is a delicious, simple vegetable side dish. But if you want to take it a little higher, there are all kinds of ways you can dress it up!
- Garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
- Top it with a shower of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
- Serve it on a bed of whipped feta with lemon zest and toasted almonds for crunch.
Any of these variations pair perfectly with a simple cooked protein for a quick dinner. They are also good with any pasta, like mine Fettuccine Alfredo o spaghetti aglio and olioor my mushroom risotto.
But you’re not the only one this recipe needs to be served as a side dish! Try adding sautéed asparagus to a frittata or omelet, toss it pastaadd it to a grain bowlor file it polenta.
This recipe is best the day it is made, but leftovers stay good for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them at room temp or pop them in the microwave to reheat!
More Favorite Asparagus Recipes
If you love this sautéed asparagus, try one of these fresh asparagus recipes next:
Sautéed Asparagus
Serving 4
Learn how to saute asparagus! This simple recipe is a delicious spring side dish or addition to frittatas, pasta, and more. Find serving suggestions in the post above!
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Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus, salt, and a few grinds of pepper and sauté, stirring often, for 3 to 6 minutes, or until tender. The timing depends on the thickness of your spears.
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Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season to taste and serve.
