This is the easiest way to prepare asparagus. Sauteed asparagus, pan-fried, are always crispy, full of flavor, and perfect as a starter, salad, or side dish.
About this recipe
Sautéed asparagus is a simple and healthy veg that can be served as a side dish or as a light meal on its own.
This recipe is more of a method of cooking this fresh ingredient. Sautéed asparagus are easy to prepare and cook quite quickly, making them an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or to add a green touch to any main dish.
Benefits of asparagus
Asparagus is known for its health benefits, including its high fiber content, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and its ability to aid digestion. They are also low in calories and sodium, making them a healthy food choice for many people.
Ingredients and equipment to make them
For this recipe, you need asparagus, olive oil, and salt. For a good frying pan, I use a cast iron pan, a wooden spoon, chopping board, and a knife.
How to cook asparagus in a frying pan?
Wash the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Gently pat the asparagus dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
First, cut the lower part of the asparagus; this is the tough, fibrous, and usually lighter in color part. You can cut it with your hands by bending the stem until it breaks or with a knife. Then cut each stem to the size you want.
Heat a cast iron skillet and add a drizzle of oil; add the asparagus and salt and pepper if desired. Leave until the asparagus begins to change color and begins to brown.
The idea is not to overcook, as you want a crispy asparagus. Finish with a little more grain salt or Maldon salt, lemon juice, or zest.
How to choose asparagus?
Color: Asparagus should be bright green in color, although there may be some white or purple at the base. Avoid asparagus that has a dull color or is beginning to turn yellow.
Texture: Stems should be firm to the touch, not soft or wilted. They should also be straight, without being bent or flaccid.
Size: Asparagus comes in different sizes, from thin to thick. Thinner ones are tender and cook quickly, while thicker ones are meatier and may require a little more cooking time. The size you choose depends on your taste and the dish you are preparing.
Tips: Asparagus tips should be closed and compact. If the tips are starting to separate or have a loose appearance, that is a sign that the asparagus is overdone.
Freshness: To check the freshness of asparagus by holding an asparagus spear in the center and bending the end. If fresh, it should be quite flexible and should break with a clean snap.
How to store fresh asparagus?
When arriving from the supermarket, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. You can wrap the ends in a damp cloth or paper roll and place them in a plastic bag. You can also put them with a little water as if they were flowers.
How to give other flavors to asparagus?
The dish can be easily customized by adding other ingredients or spices to your liking. For example, add a touch of lemon for freshness or some vegan parmesan cheese for a flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy sauteed asparagus
Equipment
- cast iron frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation of the asparagus: Wash the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Gently pat the asparagus dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Cut or break off the asparagus’s hard ends (usually the stalk’s whiter parts).
- You can bend the asparagus near the end and allow it to break naturally, or cut it with a knife if you prefer a uniform length.
- Sauté the asparagus: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Put the asparagus in and mix well to ensure they are well coated with the olive oil (and garlic, if used).
- Cooking: Cook the asparagus, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
- The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus.
- Season: Once cooked, season the asparagus with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you want, you can add a little lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
- Serve: Serve the asparagus hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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