Discover the joy of deliciously addictive sautéed garlic asparagus, a side dish that promises to elevate your dining experience.

This fragrant creation, featuring minced garlic sautéed in butter and finished with fresh parsley, is not just a feast for the senses but also a testament to simplicity in cooking.

Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any main course, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

Why You Will Love This Pan Fried Asparagus?

Among the most popular recipes on our site, the easy garlic green beans have set a high bar.

Yet, this variation with fresh asparagus elevates the standard with its minimal ingredients and effortless preparation.

It embodies a healthy side dish that turns eating vegetables into a deliciously savory affair.

This sautéed garlic asparagus Chinese dish, much like its predecessor, utilizes simple ingredients to unlock maximum flavor, proving that great taste doesn’t require complexity.

It’s quickly becoming a staple for both the dinner party scene and holiday tables, including Easter and Thanksgiving.

Not only is it ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition, but its light and nutritious profile paired with the ease of making it is bound to wow your guests.

Truly, it’s a killer veggie side dish that converts even the most skeptical into asparagus believers.

Ingredients And Substitutions For Easy Sautéed Asparagus Recipe

• Asparagus: This recipe shines with fresh asparagus, but frozen asparagus can be a convenient alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid a soggy Canned asparagus is not recommended due to its mushy texture and altered flavor profile after canning.
• Butter: The use of salted butter adds depth to the dish’s flavor. A mix of butter and olive oil prevents the butter from scorching, enriching the asparagus with a luxurious taste without overwhelming it.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the asparagus with a savory flavor. The measurement is merely a suggestion; adjust according to your taste preference. Using a garlic press can simplify the mincing process, and while fresh is preferred, pre-minced garlic from a jar is an acceptable substitute to save time.
• Seasonings: Simply season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. The dish is finished with chopped fresh parsley, which balances the overall taste. If looking to experiment, feel free to substitute with other fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or oregano, though dried herbs are not recommended for this final touch.

Sautéed Garlic Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 3 to 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pressed
• 1 bunch of asparagus, washed and ends trimmed
• Sea salt, as per taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, as per taste
• 2 to 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

 Instructions

• Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat, then melt the butter with oil. This blend ensures the asparagus cooks evenly without burning.
• Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, stirring often. This step infuses the oil and butter mixture with a fragrant garlic flavor.
• Next, add asparagus and reduce heat to medium. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The gentle heat helps to cook the asparagus thoroughly without charring it.
• Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically, until the asparagus softens but remains crisp to the bite. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the asparagus spears.
• Once done, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately to enjoy the asparagus at its best, full of flavor and perfect texture.

How To Sauté Asparagus On Stove?

1. In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt butter with oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring frequently.
2. Add asparagus to the pan, reducing the heat to medium. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring periodically, until the asparagus is softened yet retains a slight crunch.
3. Before serving, sprinkle the asparagus with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herby finish.

Tips For Sautéed Asparagus With Garlic

• Trim the woodsy ends off the asparagus to ensure every bite is tender and enjoyable.
• Prep the ingredients in advance but not more than a day to maintain optimal freshness. This includes cutting the asparagus and peeling the garlic cloves.
• Let the minced garlic cook briefly before adding the asparagus to the pan to mellow out the spicy, raw-garlic flavor.
• Stir the asparagus often while cooking to prevent the garlic from burning and imparting a bitter flavor to the dish.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a frying pan over medium-high heat for best results.

FAQs About Garlic Asparagus Recipe

1. What To Serve With Sautéed Asparagus?

Pair this simply prepared side with a protein like baked lamb chops or honey garlic chicken. A big green salad complements the dish, making for a balanced meal.

2. How To Choose Asparagus?

Look for asparagus with bright colors and firm stalks. The tops should be closed and dry, avoiding any soggy ends which indicate it’s going bad.

3. How To Store Asparagus?

Keep asparagus fresh by storing it upright in a glass of water in the fridge, changing the water daily. This method preserves its freshness for 3-4 days.

4. How To Trim Asparagus?

To properly prepare your asparagus, grasp the bottom of the spear in one hand and gently bend it. The asparagus will naturally break where the stem transitions from tender to woodsy, indicating the ideal spot to trim.

5. Should You Soak Asparagus Before Cooking?

Cleaning your produce thoroughly before preparing it is crucial. While soaking might not always be necessary, it can help remove extra dirt and grittiness from the asparagus, especially if it’s visibly soiled.

6. Should You Peel Asparagus?

Whether to peel asparagus boils down to personal preference. My mother always peels thicker pieces to reduce the fibrous texture, but thinner stalks are usually fine without peeling.

7. Do You Have To Blanch Asparagus?

For this sautéed garlic asparagus recipe, blanching the asparagus is not necessary. If you do prefer blanching, remember to adjust the sauté time accordingly to ensure the asparagus doesn’t become overcooked. Blanch by boiling in a pot of water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and plunge into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the asparagus again before proceeding with the sauté.

8. How Do You Know When Sauteed Asparagus Is Done?

When you saute asparagus, you’ll know it’s done when the stalks turn a wonderful, bright green color. The spears should pick up a slight bend in the middle but shouldn’t flop right over.

9. How Do You Know When Sautéed Asparagus Is Done?

To determine if sautéed asparagus is done, observe its color change to a bright green. Gently pick up a spear; it should bend slightly in the middle without flopping over, signifying the ideal tenderness.

10. Does Asparagus Need To Be Fully Cooked?

Asparagus doesn’t need to be fully cooked to be enjoyable. Its elegant and snappy stalks are versatile, suitable for roasting, steaming, sautéing, and even grilling. You can also eat asparagus raw, shaved into ribbons with a vegetable peeler, and tossed into dishes such as shaved asparagus salad with lemon and Parmesan or asparagus fettuccine carbonara, showcasing its adaptability.

11. What Happens If You Cook Asparagus Too Long?

Overcooking asparagus causes a loss of its natural flavor, making it bland and unappetizing. Furthermore, it can lead to discoloration, with the spears turning brown and losing their vibrant bright green color, diminishing their visual appeal.

12. What Is The Best Way To Cook Asparagus?

The optimal method involves heating a skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cut the cleaned and trimmed asparagus spears into 2-inch lengths, then add them to the pan with some olive oil or butter. Season well with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re bright green and tender, making sure to shake or stir the pan frequently for even cooking.

13. When Should I Eat Asparagus?

This versatile vegetable can be prepared in various ways, making it a great choice year-round, but it’s particularly best during its peak season in early spring, from March to May. The heat from cooking helps to soften the asparagus, enhancing both flavor and texture, making it an ideal time to enjoy this delicacy.