Lemon Garlic Asparagus (Printable version)
Tender asparagus spears quickly sautéed with fragrant garlic and bright lemon for a vibrant, easy side dish.
# Ingredient list:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
→ Aromatics
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
→ Seasonings
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Citrus
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Garnish
08 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Rinse the asparagus spears and meticulously trim off their woody ends. Pat them thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel.
02 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
03 - Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Exercise caution to prevent it from browning.
04 - Introduce the prepared asparagus spears to the skillet. Toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and garlic mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the asparagus is crisp-tender and exhibits a vibrant green hue.
05 - Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Toss well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 1 minute.
06 - Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll discover how effortlessly something so humble can become the star of your dinner table.
- It's a truly brilliant way to coax out the best flavors of spring, making you feel like a culinary wizard with minimal effort.
02 -
- Never overcrowd your pan; asparagus needs space to sear and get tender-crisp, otherwise it will steam and turn soggy.
- The key to perfectly cooked asparagus is often less time than you think; keep a close eye on it after 4-5 minutes, as it can go from crisp-tender to soft very quickly.
03 -
- To ensure consistent cooking and beautiful browning, cook your asparagus in batches if your skillet isn't large enough to accommodate all spears in a single layer.
- For an even brighter finish, save a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice to drizzle over the asparagus just before serving; it really makes the flavors pop.