Pan-Fried Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic
A quick sauté of asparagus until crisp-tender with garlic and lemon. An ideal simple side dish for dinner with salmon.
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Ingredients
Main:
- •Asparagus - 350 g
- •Olive oil - 1 tbsp
- •Butter - 15 g
- •Garlic - 2 cloves
- •Lemon - 1/2 pc
- •Water - 60 ml
Spices & Seasonings:
- •Salt - 1/3 tsp
- •Ground black pepper - 1/6 tsp
Instructions
Prep the asparagus
Rinse the asparagus (350 g) in cold water and pat dry. Trim 1–2 cm off the woody ends. To remove the tough part, gently bend each spear: it will naturally snap where the fibrous section ends. Use the top portions and discard the bottom ends.
Prepare the aromatics
Finely chop the garlic (2 cloves). Zest half a lemon (1/2 pc) with a microplane, then squeeze the juice (from 1/2 pc). Keep the zest and juice separate so you can add them at the right time and preserve their bright aroma.
Heat the pan and start sautéing
Heat a wide skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the olive oil (1 tbsp) and butter (15 g). When the butter melts and the foaming subsides, add the asparagus (350 g) in a single layer.
Steam-sauté and cook until done
Season the asparagus with salt (1/3 tsp) and ground black pepper (1/6 tsp). Pour in the water (60 ml), cover, and cook for 2 minutes. Uncover and cook for another 2–3 minutes, turning the asparagus regularly, until the water has evaporated and the spears are bright green and tender with a slight bite.
Add garlic and lemon, then serve
Push the asparagus (350 g) to the edges of the skillet. Add the garlic (2 cloves) to the center and warm for 20–30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the lemon juice (from 1/2 pc) and sprinkle with lemon zest (from 1/2 pc). Toss for 10–15 seconds and remove from the heat. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. Serve right away as a side for salmon.
When to Eat
Best for dinner: it cooks quickly and is served immediately while the asparagus stays juicy and springy.
Health Benefits
Asparagus is rich in dietary fiber and contains vitamins and minerals; a moderate amount of oil improves flavor and helps carry the aromas.
Warnings
Contains dairy (butter).
Serve With
Pairs perfectly with salmon, and also with boiled potatoes, rice, or a light green salad.
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