Easy Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
Sometimes the simplest side dishes are the ones that taste the best, and that's most definitely the case with this easy sautéed asparagus recipe. No need for any complex cooking methods or fancy spices — just a good sautéeing does the trick, along with some salt and pepper, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for just a hint of pizzazz. This is a no-frills recipe that yields perfect results every time, which is something that recipe developer Christina Musgrave is a big fan of. "I love how simple this asparagus recipe is, and that it's done in only 10 minutes," Musgrave says. "Anyone can make this recipe."
That anyone can and should be you, especially if you've been looking for a new recipe to complement a savory dinner. "We didn't add a special ingredient for this one, but the lemon and Parmesan really kick up the flavor in the dish," Musgrave explains. Hey, why tweak a recipe that isn't broken — this classic sautéed asparagus is timeless, and it's just begging for a spot at your dinner table.
Gather the ingredients for easy sautéed asparagus
This ingredients list shouldn't be much of a burden — in fact, you likely already have some of them at home, like olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe even a lemon for juicing. You'll also need the asparagus itself, and some grated Parmesan cheese, which will add a welcome savoriness to the dish without being overbearing.
Sautée the asparagus in olive oil
Before you jazz up the asparagus, go ahead and add the oil into a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the asparagus. Make sure those rough, stalky ends are cut off. Allow the asparagus to sautée for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
"I think sautéeing is easy, and allows you a lot of control while you cook the asparagus," Musgrave says of her chosen cooking method. And, this way, you don't have to wait for the oven to heat up, which saves you time in the long run.
Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice
Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the pan, and either stir or shake the pan to evenly coat the asparagus. Sautée for another 2 minutes or so — just enough for the asparagus to finish cooking, and absorb fresh, lemony flavor.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese, and serve
Remove the asparagus from the heat, and transfer it to a serving plate. Finish it off with a garnish of grated Parmesan cheese, and even throw some lemon slices on the plate for an extra citrusy measure. Now, you're ready to serve this healthy side dish with dinner. "This is great with roast chicken, steak, or pork tenderloin," Musgrave suggests. "I also like serving this as an easy side dish while entertaining."
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus, stalky ends removed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and asparagus to the skillet. Sautée for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir and sautée for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Top the asparagus with Parmesan cheese and lemon slices, if desired, then serve as a side dish.
| Calories per Serving | 68 |
| Total Fat | 5.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 199.9 mg |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
