This sautéed asparagus recipe makes an easy and elegant appetizer or side dish that’s ready in minutes!
Bite-sized pieces of asparagus are lightly sautéed in savory seasoned lemon butter and topped with crunchy sunflower seeds!
Just prep and cook all in one pan!
Easy Sautéed Asparagus
- Sautéed asparagus is easy to make, ready in less than 10 minutes, and only takes a few ingredients.
- Double up the recipe and use sautéed asparagus in hot or cold recipes all week long!
- Sautéed asparagus adds flair to any appetizer or main dish and goes great with homemade tzatziki, or a cold and creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients and Variations
Asparagus – Choose firm stalks with deep green with light green or purplish tips and of similar thickness.
Oil – Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or any flavored oil works in this recipe. Even leftover bacon grease will add a smoky flavor to sauteed asparagus!
Nuts – Sunflower seeds offer a crunchy bite to sauteed asparagus, but pumpkin seeds or nuts like walnuts or pecans will also work.
A Nutty Idea!
Sauté seeds and nuts in a dry pan until just fragrant for more intense flavor and extra crunch!
Seasonings – The mild flavor of asparagus goes with anything! A simple drizzle of balsamic vinegar and some lemon zest are perfect or toss in some homemade Italian seasoning, or a zesty Cajun blend to match the menu! .
Variations – Top sautéed asparagus pieces with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, feta crumbles, or some bacon bits. Other veggies to sauté asparagus with are mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sliced yellow onions.
Prepping Asparagus
Prep asparagus spears by snapping off the tough ends at least an inch from the bottom. For the best results, choose spears that are relatively the same thickness and length for even cooking. Cut the stalks into even pieces about 1-2” each.
How to Sauté Asparagus
Tender-crisp asparagus stalks are lightly sautéed in butter for the perfect spring and summer side!
- Toss chopped asparagus in a large bowl with oil and seasonings as per the recipe below.
- Sauté asparagus in a pan with melted butter until the pieces are tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and serve.
Storing Sautéed Asparagus
- Store leftover sautéed asparagus in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze in zippered bags for up to one month.
- Reheat in a dry skillet or the microwave.
- Use leftovers in an easy quiche Lorraine, a cheesy parmesan asparagus pasta, or chicken lasagna.
More Tasty Sides To Try!
Did you make this Sauteed Asparagus recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
Sauteed Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon juiced, about 2-3 Tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons dry roasted sunflower seeds optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry asparagus. Break the woody ends by holding each spear of asparagus near the middle and bottom, and snap the end off. Cut spears into 1-2 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, add asparagus, oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss to combine.
- In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, add butter.
- Once butter is melted, add asparagus and saute for 3-5 minutes, or until tender and cooked to your liking.
- Sprinkle with sunflower seeds if using, and enjoy!
Notes
- Roast sunflower seeds in a small dry skillet until slightly toasted. Remove from pan immediately to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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