Name: Pan Fried Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, canola, or vegetable all work great); 1 pound fresh asparagus (tough ends trimmed); ½ -1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice of ½ a lemon ); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped); Fresh thyme, parsley or herbs of choice (for garnish (optional))

This Pan Fried Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Butter is the 15-minute side dish that goes with absolutely everything. Fresh asparagus spears get sautéed in a hot skillet until tender-crisp and lightly golden, then tossed in garlicky butter with bright lemon zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a handful of fresh parsley. It's simple, it's fast, and it makes the whole plate better. 🤤

Overhead shot of lemon garlic asparagus on a white scalloped platter with serving utensils, surrounded by fresh ingredients.

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The Only Sautéed Asparagus Recipe You'll Ever Need ✨

Asparagus gets a bad reputation for being fussy, but this method is completely foolproof. A hot skillet, a little butter, and about 10 minutes is genuinely all it takes. The key is getting the pan nice and hot before the asparagus goes in. That's what gives you those lightly golden, slightly caramelized spots instead of just steamed, limp spears.

This has become one of our favorite ways to get more vegetables on the plate without much fuss. It comes together while your main is resting, it uses one pan, and it feels a little more special than your average weeknight veggie side. We've been pairing it with our creamy mushroom chicken with bacon, and the combination is absolutely perfect - that rich, savory cream sauce alongside bright, garlicky asparagus is really delicious!🤤

We love making this in the spring when asparagus is in peak season, and if you're lucky enough to find fresh local spears at a farmers market or roadside stand, this recipe is a great way to let them shine. That said, good grocery store asparagus works beautifully here, too, no special sourcing required.

Hero Close-up of pan fried asparagus with lemon garlic butter in a skillet, garnished with lemon slices, parsley, and thyme.

🌿 Ingredients for Pan Fried Asparagus

Just a handful of simple ingredients here. Fresh asparagus, butter, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and fresh parsley. That's it!

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Asparagus ✨

This comes together so fast - have everything prepped and ready before the pan goes on the heat!

Before you begin, trim the tough woody ends off the asparagus by snapping or cutting them off. Pat dry with a paper towel - any excess moisture will cause the spears to steam instead of sear.

Fresh asparagus spears in a single layer in a hot skillet, ready to sauté.

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus in a single layer, season generously with salt and pepper.

Asparagus sautéing in a skillet with a spatula, golden and tender-crisp.

Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender-crisp and lightly golden in spots.

💡 Make sure your skillet is large enough. Use a 12-inch skillet so the spears have room to sear rather than steam. If your pan is smaller, cook in two batches. It's worth the extra few minutes!

Cooked asparagus pushed to one side of the skillet with pats of butter melting alongside and lots of garlic.

Step 2: Push the asparagus to one side of the pan. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the garlic.

Cooked asparagus in a pan with garlic and lemon juice added.

Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then toss everything together to coat.

🧄Fresh garlic is key here. It adds so much flavor in a way that garlic powder just can't replicate.

Hands zesting a lemon over pan fried asparagus in a skillet.

Step 3: Remove from heat. Add the lemon zest.

Hand squeezing fresh lemon juice over sautéed asparagus in a skillet.

Add lemon juice, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🍋Fresh lemon juice makes a real difference here. Bottled just doesn't have that same bright, clean zing.

Garnish with fresh parsley and thyme, or any herbs you love.

Overhead shot of pan fried asparagus with lemon garlic butter in a skillet, garnished with lemon slices, parsley, and herbs.

What to Serve With Pan Fried Garlic Asparagus 🍽️

This stovetop asparagus is one of those sides that makes everything on the table better. Easy enough for a weeknight, and elegant enough to serve for special occasions.

Serve with slow cooker prime rib or chicken wrapped in prosciutto stuffed with mozzarella for an Easter or spring gathering.

It's just as good next to simple pan-seared fish, chicken, or easy bavette steak.

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