Simple Not Mushy Asparagus
Transform your asparagus into a tender, flavorful side dish with this "Simple Not Mushy Asparagus" recipe. Say goodbye to overcooked, soggy spears and hello to perfectly crisp, vibrant asparagus every time. Featuring fresh asparagus sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this dish strikes the perfect balance of zesty and savory. A light golden sear locks in flavor while keeping the spears delightfully firm. Topped with a sprinkle of optional Parmesan for an extra layer of richness, this quick and easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes, making it the ultimate choice for a healthy weeknight side dish or a crowd-pleasing accompaniment at dinner parties.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 whole lemon
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water and trim the tough, woody ends. You can snap the ends off by bending the stalk—it will naturally break where the tough part ends.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the asparagus in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Sprinkle the asparagus with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the asparagus gently to coat evenly in the oil and seasonings.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The asparagus should turn bright green and develop a slight golden sear but still maintain a crisp bite. Be careful not to overcook.
During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning, allowing its flavor to infuse the asparagus.
Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the asparagus for a fresh, zesty finish.
Optional: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the asparagus while still warm for added richness and depth of flavor.
Serve immediately as a side dish and enjoy your perfectly cooked asparagus with its delightful crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
274 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.2 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 9 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1330 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 14.3 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 250 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 997 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
