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- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish Gather these ingredients for a simple yet tasty dish. Fresh asparagus is key, ensuring a bright flavor and crisp texture. Unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic brings warmth. The juice and zest of the lemon provide a zesty kick that brightens the dish. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. You can add extra virgin olive oil if you want a little more depth. Parmesan cheese can give a nice, creamy finish if you choose to use it. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making your dish look as good as it tastes. This combination of ingredients creates a delicious and easy dish that anyone can make! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Begin by washing 1 pound of fresh asparagus under cold water. - Trim the tough ends by cutting off about an inch from the base of each spear. - Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Sauté for 5-7 minutes. Cook until tender-crisp and bright green, stirring occasionally. - Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet. This creates space for the next step. - Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the empty side of the skillet. Let it melt completely. - Stir in 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell fragrant and be lightly golden. - Gently mix the asparagus with the garlic and melted butter. Ensure each piece is coated well. - Pour in the juice from 1 large lemon and add the lemon zest. Stir to mix everything evenly. - Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix again to combine flavors. - If desired, sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the asparagus to a serving plate. - Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. To achieve tender-crisp asparagus, start with fresh spears. Trim about an inch from each end. Cook in a hot skillet for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. You want the bright green color to shine. If you overcook, it turns mushy. To avoid burnt garlic, add it to the pan after the asparagus cooks. Garlic burns quickly, so watch it closely. Stir it until it smells good and turns light gold. This step adds great flavor without the bitterness of burnt garlic. For presentation, use a clean white platter. It makes the vibrant green asparagus pop. Drizzle leftover garlic lemon butter over the top. This adds shine and flavor. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley. It gives a nice color and fresh taste. Pair this dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It complements many main dishes. You can also serve it with pasta or rice for a hearty option. Enjoy the bright, zesty taste of garlic butter lemon asparagus! Pro Tips Choose the Right Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thinner asparagus tend to be more tender and flavorful. Perfectly Melted Butter: Keep an eye on the butter as it melts to prevent it from burning; swirling it gently can help distribute the heat evenly. Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch more lemon zest than indicated; it enhances the dish's brightness. Fresh Parsley Alternatives: If fresh parsley isn't available, try substituting with fresh basil or dill for a unique twist on the garnish. {{image_4}} To boost flavor, you can add spices or herbs. Try crushed red pepper for heat or fresh thyme for earthiness. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice depth. You can also experiment with herbs like dill or basil to change the dish's vibe. For cheese lovers, swap the Parmesan with feta or goat cheese. These cheeses add a tangy twist that pairs well with lemon. You can even use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. If you want to mix things up, consider using different vegetables. Broccoli or green beans work well. You can even try zucchini, but cut it thinner to cook evenly. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting. For those watching their diet, butter substitutes are a great idea. You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. These fats enhance the dish while keeping it light. Each swap offers a new taste, so feel free to get creative! To store leftovers, place the asparagus in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The asparagus will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cool it first before storing. The best methods for reheating asparagus include using the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the asparagus on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time until warm. For the skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat, then add the asparagus. This method helps keep the flavor and texture. To avoid sogginess, do not add too much liquid when reheating. Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the asparagus. This will help keep it crisp and tasty. Enjoy your garlic butter lemon asparagus just as delicious as the first time! Can I use frozen asparagus? Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. It is easy and quick. Just cook it straight from the freezer. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen asparagus may take a few extra minutes to become tender. How can I tell when asparagus is cooked? You can tell asparagus is cooked when it turns bright green. It should be tender yet crisp when you bite into it. You can also poke it with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s ready! Caloric content Asparagus is low in calories. One serving has about 20 calories. This makes it a great side dish for many meals. Health benefits of asparagus Asparagus is packed with nutrients. It is high in vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also has folate, which is good for your cells. Plus, it has fiber to help with digestion. Eating asparagus may also support heart health. In this blog post, we explored how to prepare delicious asparagus. We covered key ingredients like fresh asparagus, butter, and garlic. I shared steps for washing, cooking, and finishing your dish perfectly. Tips ensured your asparagus stays crisp and pairing ideas enhanced your meal. Remember, you can swap ingredients or try new flavors. Enjoying this dish fresh is always best. Store leftovers right for later. With these ideas, you can make great asparagus every time. Now, let’s get cooking!

Garlic Butter Lemon Asparagus Delight

A delightful side dish featuring fresh asparagus sautéed in garlic butter and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh asparagus under cold water. Trim the tough ends by cutting off about an inch from the base of each spear to ensure tenderness.
  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
  • Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet in a single layer, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the asparagus is tender-crisp and displays a vibrant green color, stirring occasionally.
  • Once cooked to your liking, push the asparagus to one side of the skillet, creating space in the pan. Add the unsalted butter to the empty side.
  • Allow the butter to melt completely, then stir in the finely minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden to avoid burning.
  • Gently combine the asparagus with the garlic and melted butter, tossing to ensure each piece is well coated in the rich mixture.
  • Pour in the lemon juice and add the zest to the skillet, stirring everything together until evenly mixed and the asparagus is thoroughly bathed in the zesty sauce.
  • Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste preference, mixing again to incorporate the flavors.
  • If using, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus, allowing it to melt slightly in the warm skillet.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the asparagus to a serving plate or platter.
  • For a vibrant finishing touch, garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley, adding both color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.

Notes

Serve warm and drizzle any leftover garlic lemon butter over the top before garnishing with parsley.
Keyword asparagus, butter, garlic, lemon, vegetable