Sauteed Asparagus

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Sauteed Asparagus is a simple vegetable side dish that takes only a few minutes and minimal effort. It's a quick way to cook asparagus and uses very little oil. It's perfectly tender, flavorful, and goes with any entree!

When you need a super quick, hassle-free side dish, sauteed asparagus is always a good choice. It's easy, healthy, and goes with everything! I especially love to buy it in season because, well, I always love a good sale.

Sauteed asparagus is the perfect side to delectable Baked Chicken Thighs, tender Crab Legs, or hands-free Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

Why you'll love this recipe

• low calorie - Sauteed asparagus calories are impressively low and suited for many diets.
• availability - Asparagus is simple, elegant vegetable that's available at any grocery store.
• color - It's bright green and makes any entree pop with color.
• minimal ingredients - You need four ingredients for this recipe: asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• convenient - It takes less than 10 minutes to make this asparagus recipe.
• versatile - Sauteed asparagus goes with just about any protein or pasta as a side dish. Also, it can be served with breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• nutritious - Sauteing asparagus is a quick-cook option that's loaded with nutrients.

Key ingredients

• asparagus - The star of the show is fresh asparagus. Any size will work, just follow the instructions to dial in the cook time.
• extra virgin olive oil - Always my top recommendation for quick-fry recipes for its flavor, quality, and nutrient value due to lack of processing.
• salt and pepper - Asparagus has a lot of flavor on its own, but a pinch of salt and pepper will bring out even more flavor.

What's the difference between sauteed asparagus and pan fried asparagus?

These two terms mean exactly the same thing. To sauté means to fry in a pan. The word sauté comes from the French language. It translates literally as "jumped up", which describes how food acts in a frying pan when you heat it up.

How to saute asparagus

It's crazy easy! To make this asparagus recipe, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add asparagus to the skillet and sauté until tender, turning as needed. Cook time will vary based on the size of the asparagus.

How long to saute asparagus

• thin asparagus (¼'" diameter): 3-4 minutes
• medium asparagus (⅓" diameter): 4-6 minutes
• thick asparagus (½" diameter): 6-10 minutes.

Asparagus is done when it becomes tender to your liking. Sprinkle salt and pepper over asparagus and serve warm. If not eating right away, refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Recipe variations

• rice - sauteed asparagus and rice is a great way to make asparagus both filling and more nutritious. I especially love it with brown rice!
• mushrooms - add mushrooms to sauteed asparagus by chopping 1 cup of mushrooms, heating double the amount of olive oil, sauteing for 3-4 minutes, then saute the asparagus per recipe instructions.
• onions - Add ½ of a thinly sliced onion to this sautéed asparagus recipe. Simply sauté the onions until tender and add the asparagus and sauté until tender.
• garlic - Add 2-3 cloves of fresh, minced garlic to the skillet a few minutes before the asparagus is cooked. This prevents the garlic from burning.
• lemon - Saute lemons in the same pan as the sauteed asparagus or serve it with lemon wedges or slices.
• bacon - Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the asparagus during the last minute or two of cooking. If using uncooked bacon, you'll want to fully cook it before adding to the asparagus.
• balsamic - sauteed asparagus with balsamic glaze is simply irresistible.
• Parmesan - Add Parmesan to sauteed asparagus by simply sprinkling it on when serving. Use grated Parmesan, or use shaved Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Can I saute asparagus in butter?

Yes! You can absolutely cook asparagus in butter. In fact, butter gives a nutty, creamy flavor that is always delicious. Extra virgin olive oil adds its own flavor, and you can even use a blend of both. Yum!

More entrees to enjoy with asparagus

• Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
• Easy Broiled Salmon
• Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

Easy side dish recipes

• Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
• Smashed Baby Potatoes
• Roasted Mushroom Recipe
• Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob

📖 Recipe