How to Cook Asparagus

Asparagus spears in a saucepan after being sautéed with lemon and butter.

My fast and simple asparagus recipe shows you how to cook asparagus on the stove in just 5 minutes! It's tender, yet crisp and dressed in the simplest way with lemon and butter.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 44kcal

Author Sam Merritt

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

1 (453 g) bunch asparagus about 1 lb
1-2 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Salt and freshly-cracked pepper to taste
½ Tablespoon salted butter
Juice of half a lemon you don’t have to use all of this, but use at least a Tablespoon

Instructions

Trim the asparagus by removing the woody bottom part that is tough and fibrous. You can do this with a knife (you’ll want to cut where it fades from white or very light green to a darker green) or snap off the ends. If you needed to wash the asparagus before using, make sure you dry it very well.
1 bunch asparagus
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until asparagus is fork-tender (should still be slightly crisp).
1-2 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, Salt and freshly-cracked pepper to taste
Add butter and lemon juice and toss to coat. If needed, add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
½ Tablespoon salted butter, Juice of half a lemon

Notes

Alterations: I love this recipe as-is but if you’re looking to dress things up, try one or both of these alterations:

Saute 1 teaspoon of minced garlic in the oil for 30 seconds (stirring constantly) before adding the asparagus for a garlic flavor.
Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of grated parmesan over the asparagus before serving.

Nutrition