Steamed Asparagus with Lemon
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this vibrant recipe for Steamed Asparagus with Lemon! Perfectly tender asparagus spears are gently steamed to preserve their natural flavor and vivid color, then drizzled with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing that adds brightness and a touch of elegance. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, this quick and easy dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients, this healthy side pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, hearty pastas, or as part of a light brunch spread. If you're a fan of fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free recipes, this one is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water (for steaming)
Instructions
Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Trim the tough woody ends from the asparagus spears by snapping or slicing about 1–2 inches off from the bottom.
Zest the lemon using a fine grater, then cut the lemon in half and juice it. Set aside both the zest and juice.
Add 2 cups of water to a pot and place a steamer basket or insert on top. Ensure that the water level doesn't touch the bottom of the basket.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Place the prepared asparagus into the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium.
Steam the asparagus for 5–7 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp. Thicker spears may take a little longer to cook.
While the asparagus is steaming, in a small bowl mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Once the asparagus is cooked, remove it from the steamer and transfer it to a serving platter.
Drizzle the lemon and olive oil mixture over the asparagus. Sprinkle the lemon zest on top for added flavor and garnish.
Serve immediately as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
235 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.7 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1191 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.7 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1004 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.
