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Whether it’s sauteeing or stir frying vegetables, making them on the stovetop is often the fastest way to cook them. This tutorial will show you how to saute asparagus in just 10 minutes. The key to this simple sauteed asparagus recipe with garlic and lemon? Start with olive oil to saute, then add a lemon garlic butter at the end. (I use a similar method to make sauteed zucchini, too.)
Easy sauteed asparagus recipes on the stovetop work best with thin stalks. If you’ve got thicker stalks, try my roasted asparagus recipe instead.
You can also use asparagus to make asparagus stuffed chicken, baked cheesy asparagus, or bacon wrapped asparagus. Both the plain version and these variations are delicious drizzled with hollandaise sauce, too.
Sauteed Asparagus Recipe Ingredients
Since it takes just 10 minutes from start to finish and uses common staples, this easy sauteed asparagus recipe makes a great last-minute side dish. You’ll need just 5 simple ingredients, plus salt and pepper:
- Olive oil – I prefer the flavor and benefits of olive oil, but you can also use avocado oil, or any other oil you have on hand.
- Asparagus – As mentioned above, it’s best to use thin asparagus stalks in this recipe, otherwise they won’t cook through as well on the stovetop.
- Butter – Grass-fed butter gives the sauteed asparagus incredible flavor, and we add it toward the end to avoid burning it. You can skip this or use more oil if you are dairy-free.
- Garlic – Use fresh for best flavor, or jarred for an easy option.
- Lemon zest – Use a zester for lemon zest without the bitter pith.
- Sea salt & black pepper
How To Saute Asparagus
This sauteed asparagus with lemon and garlic takes just 10 minutes to make:
- Saute in oil. Heat oil in a large skillet and add asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until asparagus is bright green.
- Add butter, lemon, and garlic. Make a well in the center of the pan, add the butter and let it melt. Add garlic and lemon zest to butter and saute without stirring, until garlic is fragrant.
- Combine. Stir asparagus into the garlic butter mixture and cook until asparagus is done to your liking, usually just a minute or two.
FAQs About Sauteing Asparagus
Can you saute asparagus?
Yes, and this sauteed asparagus with garlic recipe will show you just how easy and delicious it is.
How long should asparagus be sauteed?
The cooking time for asparagus will vary a bit on the size of your asparagus, and as I mentioned above, it does work best with thinner stalks. When the asparagus is thin, it will take just 5-8 minutes to cook.
How to tell when sauteed asparagus is done?
When sauteed asparagus is done is somewhat of a personal preference. Once asparagus turns bright green, it can be considered ready, but many people prefer to cook it for an additional couple of minutes to soften it a bit more. In this lemon and garlic sauteed asparagus recipe, we saute it for a couple of minutes in garlic butter at the end.
Is sauteed asparagus healthy?
Yes! This sauteed garlic asparagus recipe is made with vegetables (obviously!), is keto, low carb, gluten-free, and easily made vegan. It’s something everyone can enjoy.
Can you make sauteed asparagus recipes dairy-free?
Yes. This recipe uses butter, but you could use ghee (technically dairy but removes the milk proteins), your favorite dairy-free butter alternative, more olive oil, or butter-flavored coconut oil.
Is asparagus better roasted or sauteed?
Asparagus is delicious both ways, roasted and sauteed! You can make either one with thin spears, but for thicker spears, roasting asparagus in the oven works best.
Storage Instructions
Can you make it ahead?
For the best sauteed asparagus, make right before serving. It takes just 5 minutes to cook, so it’s easy to make fresh.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The longer the asparagus sits, the more mushy it will become, so it’s best served soon after cooking. Reheat the asparagus in a hot skillet for best results.
Can you freeze sauteed asparagus?
I don’t recommend freezing asparagus, as it will get mushy after it thaws.
What To Serve With Sauteed Asparagus
Asparagus is the perfect side dish to just about any main dish! Try it with:
- Steak – Popular options are sirloin steak, New York strip, or filet mignon.
- Seafood – Try broiled lobster tail, halibut, or surf and turf for a fancier meal, or lemon garlic salmon for every day.
- Poultry – Simple baked chicken breast, roasted chicken legs, or even roasted turkey are all delicious.
- More Sides – Potatoes are an obvious choice for many, but I prefer healthier mashed cauliflower or rutabaga fries.
Tools To Make Simple Sauteed Asparagus:
Click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Large Skillet – This is one of my favorite pans! The large surface area is perfect for sauteed asparagus, and it conducts heat exceptionally well for nonstick.
- Lemon Zester – You’ll use this for everything from citrus zest to cheese to chocolate.
Sauteed Asparagus Recipe With Lemon And Garlic:
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Sauteed Asparagus Recipe With Lemon And Garlic
Learn how to saute asparagus perfectly, thanks to this simple sauteed asparagus recipe with garlic and lemon! Just 5 basic ingredients + 10 minutes start to finish.
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Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper.
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Saute for 3-5 minutes, until asparagus turns bright green but is still slightly crisp.
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Make a well in the center of the pan, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the butter. Saute for about 1 minute without stirring, until garlic is fragrant.
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Stir the asparagus with the garlic butter. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes, or until the asparagus is done to your liking.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 3-4 asparagus spears, or 1/4 entire recipe
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Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Net carb count excludes fiber, erythritol, and allulose, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. (Learn about net carbs here.) We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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9 Comments
Hmw
Can’t wait to try this.
Av
I love this recipe do much! It’s beautiful and perfect for this time of the year.
Av
Lovely recipe!
Sandra Shaffer
So simple and perfect with any main dish or even on a salad. The lemon is so fresh tasting on asparagus.
Deeba Kalanchvi
I really like your recipe, Wholesome Yum. I will try it soon.
Kristina Tipps
I love asparagus and this was a really easy recipe, not to mention light, refreshing and delicious. Will be a new go to for asparagus.
Scarlet
The butter, garlic and lemon zest make these sauteed asparagus absolutely fantastic!
Swathi
Sauteed aspargus looks delicious
Claudia Lamascolo
We love your asparagus and this is easy and perfect!