This one-pan sautéed asparagus recipe is perfect as an appetizer or side dish served hot or cold.
Bite-size pieces of fresh asparagus, sautéed in a lemony garlic butter sauce and topped with toasted sunflower seeds creates a fresh and flavorful dish.
Savory Sautéed Asparagus
- Sautéeing asparagus with a few basic ingredients is the perfect way to capture its mildly sweet flavor and tender texture.
- This appetizer or simple side goes from the stovetop to the table in just minutes.
- Fresh, healthy, and delicious asparagus is an elegant addition to any meal and goes with any chicken, beef, pork, salmon, and shrimp.
- Served hot or cold, this sautéed asparagus recipe is easily doubled up for use in recipes all week long.
Easy Ingredients
Asparagus: Look for fresh spears that are firm and a deep green color. They might have light green or purplish tips. Snap off the tough ends at the bottom of the spears before cutting them into 1” to 2” pieces. Frozen asparagus can be used once it’s thawed and cut into smaller pieces, but be aware that it may not be as firm as fresh but it will be just as delicious.
Oil: Real butter and olive oil are the perfect pair for cooking veggies and adding rich flavor. The butter adds flavor, and the oil keeps the butter from burning and makes the veggies extra crisp.
For Flavor: The mild flavor of asparagus goes perfectly with simple seasoning and a bit of lemon.
Sauté and Switch
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds add an elegant touch (and crunch!) to sautéed asparagus. Walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts are also great toppings for sautéed asparagus.
Oils such as olive, coconut, avocado, safflower, or vegetable oil will also work. Experiment with flavored oils like sesame and chili oil. Bacon fat is a favorite way to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
This recipe is perfect for sautéing extras like sliced mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, pearl onions, peas, shallots, or colorful strips of bell peppers.
In addition to lemon juice and simple seasonings, try a simple balsamic vinegar drizzle and some lemon zest. Toss in some homemade Italian seasoning, or a zesty Cajun blend for an interesting dish.
Top the finished dish with crumbled bacon, feta, or blue cheese. Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top and pop the pan under the broiler for a crispy, cheesy topping.
How to Make Sautéed Asparagus
- Prep asparagus spears (full recipe below).
- Toss asparagus with the remaining ingredients (except sunflower seeds).
- Sauté seasoned asparagus until tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and serve.
Storing Sautéed Asparagus
We love sauteed asparagus with a drizzle of parmesan garlic sauce, tzatziki, or a simple lemon garlic aioli.
Keep leftover sautéed asparagus in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze up to 1 month in zip bags. Reheat leftovers in a dry pan or the microwave. Add extras into soup, a tasty chicken cobbler, an easy quiche Lorraine, or a parmesan pasta.
More Tasty Sides To Try!
Did you make this Sautéed Asparagus recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
Sautéed 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 sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until tender and cooked to your liking.
- Sprinkle with toasted 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.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
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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Such an easy elegant side dish!
PH, I am glad you enjoyed the asparagus. Thank you!