Sizzling Spring Garlic Butter Panfried Asparagus
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a super quick and tasty side? How about some pan-fried asparagus ? Honestly, it’s simpler than making toast! Think fresh, springy flavour with a garlicky kick.
Brief Overview
This asparagus recipe is like a little Italian holiday on your plate. It's quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Originally, asparagus was prized by the Romans.
This recipe is ready in under 15 minutes, beginner friendly, and serves four. So easy for spring vegetable recipes !
Main Benefits
Asparagus is packed with vitamins. This dish is perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish. What makes it special? The garlic butter asparagus just melts in your mouth, so flavourful.
You could also throw in some Blueberry Recipes for a fruit dessert.
Get Your Greens On: Prep Time!
Alright, let’s get started with the Quick asparagus recipe ingredients. You will need fresh asparagus, olive oil, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes if you are feeling brave, salt, pepper, lemon, and parsley if you like.
Bend the asparagus spear. Snap off where it naturally breaks. That gets rid of the tough end.
Time to Sizzle: Cooking Instructions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a pan. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until the garlic smells good.
Don't burn the garlic! Add the asparagus in a single layer. Cook for around 5- 7 minutes, turning. The asparagus should be tender but still a bit crisp.
Like al dente pasta, you know? Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in the lemon juice. Garnish with parsley. Serve straight away.
Serving Suggestions
pan-fried asparagus is great with loads of dishes. Try it with salmon. Serve it with scrambled eggs and toast for a posh breakfast.
A good meal, or perhaps a Yogurt Cake afterwards for dessert.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up! Add parmesan for a cheesy twist. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and olive oil.
No lemon? Lime juice works well. If you love Blueberry Desserts , add some Blueberry Cake . Or maybe just Asparagus with lemon .
It is a classic, after all!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! pan-fried asparagus is a delightful addition to any meal. Remember, don't overcook it.
Right, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? We're talking ingredients and kit for the best pan-fried asparagus you'll ever whip up. It's simple, trust me.
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you fancy some garlic butter asparagus ? Awesome! Here's what you'll need. Don't sweat it; it's mostly stuff you probably have already. Honestly, it's the easiest asparagus side dish ever.
Main Ingredients
Alright, pay attention now! This is important.
- Asparagus: 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus spears. Look for firm, bright green spears. Avoid anything limp or yellowing.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin is fab, but regular is fine.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g). Proper butter gives the best flavour, you know?
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. The fresher, the better.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but gives a nice kick).
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Obvs.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Freshly squeezed is key for that zesty zing.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped (optional, but pretty).
I remember the first time I tried asparagus. It was mushy and gross. I was convinced I hated it, until I learned how to cook it properly. Freshness is key!
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven. A little red pepper adds warmth. Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up.
You can substitute with dried herbs, though fresh is better. If you are looking at other spring vegetable recipes consider adding other spices as well.
If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of chilli flakes does wonders. Or a grind of fresh nutmeg can be divine.
For a vegan alternative, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor that complements asparagus well. You might even want to try this with some Blueberry Recipes .
What? It's a creative dish!
Equipment Needed
No fancy kit needed here.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12 inch one works best.
- Tongs: For turning the asparagus.
If you haven’t got a skillet, any old frying pan will do. Don’t sweat it. You could even use a wok! And if you don't have tongs, a couple of spoons will do in a pinch.
The focus is on making an asparagus with lemon or garlic butter asparagus.
And that's it! Next up, the easy peasy cooking method, perfect for a quick asparagus recipe . Honestly, you'll be a pan-fried asparagus pro in no time.
By the way, I once added blueberries into a Yogurt Cake and it turned out amazing! Ever since then I've been a fan of trying Blueberry Cake and Blueberry Desserts options.
Cooking Method: Sizzling Spring - pan-fried Asparagus
Honestly, sometimes the best things are the easiest! This pan-fried asparagus recipe is proof. It's super quick, tastes amazing, and makes you feel like you're eating something fancy, even though it takes like, 15 minutes, start to finish.
It’s also a great way to incorporate more Spring vegetable recipes into your diet. Plus, It’s far easier than baking a Blueberry Cake or whipping up some fancy Blueberry Desserts ! So, let's ditch the complicated stuff and get to this effortless yet elegant side dish.
Prep Steps: Asparagus Mise en Place
Right, first things first. Grab your asparagus . We want about 1 pound. Wash them and snap off the tough ends.
You know, bend them until they snap it's oddly satisfying. Then, mince your garlic (2 cloves). Get your other bits and bobs ready too - 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons butter , lemon, etc.
Remember, essential mise en place ! It will make your life so much easier.
step-by-step: Asparagus Goes in the Pan
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds . Don't burn it! That's crucial.
- Pop in your asparagus. Make sure it's in one layer if you can.
- Cook for 5- 7 minutes , turning now and again, until it's tender crisp and browned. Visual cues for doneness? They're bright green and slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
Pro Tips for Perfect pan-fried Asparagus
Don't overcook it! Nobody wants mushy asparagus. It needs to be tender crisp. Also, don't overcrowd the pan. The asparagus should sear, not steam.
If you’re thinking about other Asparagus recipes , this is the perfect starting point.
Another tip? Make it ahead. You can make-ahead options by cooking the asparagus most of the way, then just reheating it gently before serving.
Perfect if you're prepping for a dinner party! I once forgot to add the garlic and only realised after the asparagus was cooked, honestly it still tasted pretty darn good.
This recipe really shines when paired with something like grilled salmon. Or even just a simple Yogurt Cake or some simple Blueberry Recipes .
Who doesn’t love Asparagus with lemon ? It’s a classic for a reason. Plus, if you are looking for an easy asparagus side dish , this is your answer!.
This quick asparagus recipe will become a weekly staple, I promise. It's also super easy to adapt. Want Garlic butter asparagus ? Add more garlic! Get creative, innit!
Recipe Notes to Elevate Your pan-fried Asparagus!
Alright, let’s chat about making this pan-fried asparagus shine. Honestly, it's already pretty fab, but a few tweaks can really knock it out of the park.
You know? Like adding that extra sprinkle of magic.
Serving It Up: Plating and Perfect Pairings
So, you've got this glorious asparagus with lemon . Now what? First, presentation matters. Pile those vibrant green spears high. Drizzle any extra garlic butter asparagus from the pan over the top.
It's like liquid gold. I usually serve it alongside grilled salmon. Also, chicken breast or even a simple omelette. It's a superstar side.
For drinks, a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works wonders.
Storing Leftovers? Easy Peasy!
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the cooked asparagus recipes into an airtight container. It'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Reheating is a cinch. Just toss it back in a pan with a knob of butter or a splash of olive oil.
Avoid microwaving. It gets a bit sad and mushy. Freezing isn't ideal, I'm afraid. Cooked asparagus tends to lose its texture.
If you are keen on freezing though, then put the asparagus in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Mix It Up: Adaptations and Seasonal Swaps
Fancy a change? Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts into the garlic butter asparagus beautifully.
Also, I love using different herbs. Thyme or rosemary works great. If you're going vegan, swap the butter for olive oil.
It's still yummy. The key is to ensure it has the right amount of flavour. Feeling adventurous? Roast some Blueberry Recipes for a warm side dish.
I always keep Spring vegetable recipes in mind
If you want Blueberry Desserts , and it's summer, chuck in some grilled peaches for a sweet and savory combo.
Want to use up that Yogurt Cake ? Cut it up and serve alongside this Easy asparagus side dish .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Let's keep it simple. Asparagus is packed with vitamins. Calories? About 120 per serving. It's a good source of fiber.
Also, it's low in fat. Think of it as a healthy AND delicious side! It’s a win-win. No one wants to eat bland food.
This quick asparagus recipe is anything but!
Honestly, don't overthink it. This pan-fried asparagus is all about enjoying fresh, simple ingredients. Have fun and let your taste buds be your guide! I hope that helps you elevate your recipe.
If you’re keen on baking try making a Blueberry Cake for your next celebration. You won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my pan-fried asparagus is done? I don't want it soggy!
Nobody wants soggy asparagus that's just a sad state of affairs! You're aiming for "tender crisp," like a perfectly cooked green bean. The asparagus should be bright green and slightly yielding when pierced with a fork, but still have a bit of a bite.
Start checking for doneness around 5 minutes, and don't overcook it, or you'll end up with that dreaded mush.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this pan-fried asparagus recipe?
While fresh asparagus is ideal for pan-frying, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to remove excess moisture. This will help it brown better in the pan.
Keep in mind that frozen asparagus may become a bit softer than fresh when cooked, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What's the best way to store leftover pan-fried asparagus?
Leftover pan-fried asparagus is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2-3 days. Keep in mind that it might lose some of its crispness during storage. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave. You could even toss it into a salad or frittata for a new spin!
Is pan-fried asparagus healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Absolutely! Asparagus is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice. This pan-fried asparagus recipe is relatively low in calories and fat, especially if you're mindful of the amount of butter or oil you use. Plus, the garlic adds its own health benefits. It's a win-win!
My garlic keeps burning when I make pan-fried asparagus. Help!
Burnt garlic is a culinary tragedy! To prevent this, keep the heat at medium and add the garlic to the pan after the oil and butter have melted. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding the asparagus. You can also try using larger pieces of garlic, as minced garlic tends to burn more easily.
If you're still having trouble, add a splash of water or broth to the pan to lower the temperature.
Can I add other vegetables to my pan-fried asparagus?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and mix in other veggies that cook at a similar rate, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just add them to the pan along with the asparagus and adjust the cooking time as needed. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds at the end adds a nice touch.
Sizzling Spring Garlic Butter Panfried Asparagus
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |