Pan-Seared Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon
In short: Asparagus spears seared in olive oil and butter until blistered, then finished with garlic and lemon. A quick spring side in under 15 minutes. It takes about 13 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 95 kcal
Asparagus is best cooked fast and hot. In a wide pan with oil and a little butter, the spears blister and brown on the outside while staying tender and a bit crisp in the center, which takes less than eight minutes. Garlic goes in near the end and lemon at the finish, and that is all the seasoning needed. It is a spring side that goes with eggs, salmon, chicken and pasta.
Instructions
- Snap the woody ends off the asparagus where they break naturally, about 3 cm (1 inch) from the base. If the spears are thick, peel the bottom third with a vegetable peeler. Pat the spears dry.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the butter and let the butter melt.
- Add the asparagus in one layer and roll the spears in the fat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them much, turning once or twice, until bright green with browned spots.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, shaking the pan, until fragrant but not browned.
- Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and toss.
- Serve immediately, because asparagus loses its color as it sits.
Tips
- Thickness matters. Pencil-thin spears cook in 3 to 4 minutes, while thick ones may need 7 to 8 minutes and a lid for the last 2.
- Shaved Parmesan, toasted almonds or a soft-boiled egg on top turn this into a light meal. Use all olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Questions and answers
How do I trim asparagus?
Hold a spear at both ends and bend it. It snaps where the tough part ends. Line up the rest and cut them to the same length as the first.
Can I roast asparagus instead?
Yes. Toss the spears with oil and salt and roast at 220°C (425°F) for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness.
Does asparagus need peeling?
Only thick spears do. Peel the lower third to remove the tough skin.
How long does it take to make Pan-Seared Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon?
About 13 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pan-Seared Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon?
About 95 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 95 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
