Pan-Seared Asparagus: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Pan-seared asparagus is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook asparagus without overcooking it. The dish is best served as a side, with proteins such as salmon, white fish, chicken, or eggs, and a starchy side like potatoes or rice.

To prepare the asparagus, start by rinsing and drying the spears, then breaking off any hard, woody stems. Cut the asparagus into smaller pieces – some recipes suggest cutting them into thirds.

To cook the asparagus, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant. Then, add the asparagus and cook until tender, bright green, and browned in spots, turning the spears often to ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest adding toppings such as lemon juice, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, or red pepper flakes to finish the dish.

How to season pan-seared asparagus

Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavour of pan-seared asparagus. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season this delicious dish:

Ingredients

To season pan-seared asparagus, you will need the following ingredients:

• Asparagus
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Fresh garlic
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Start by choosing fresh, firm asparagus spears with closed tips and no signs of flowering or wilting. Cut the woody stems about 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stem, ensuring you remove any tough or fibrous parts. You can test this by cutting a small piece and assessing the texture.

Next, mince the garlic and shallot (if using). You will need about 3 cloves of garlic and 1 small shallot for 1 pound of asparagus.

Cooking Instructions

Heat a large non-stick, cast iron, or stainless steel pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. Place half of the asparagus spears in the pan in a single layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Fry for about 6 minutes, flipping the asparagus halfway through. Transfer the first batch to a plate and repeat with the remaining asparagus.

During the last 2 minutes of cooking the second batch, add the shallot to the pan, turning the heat down to medium-low. Gently sauté the shallot until softened, and then add the minced garlic. Return the first batch of asparagus to the pan and gently toss all the ingredients together for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to cook and infuse its flavour.

Finally, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and give everything a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve immediately, as pan-seared asparagus cools down quickly. Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favourite protein or as part of a larger meal!

How to cook asparagus in a pan

Ingredients

You will need:

• Asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Butter
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan (optional)

Method

• Wash the asparagus and dry it with a towel.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add salt, pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook for around 30 seconds, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for around 10 minutes, turning the asparagus frequently to ensure even cooking. The asparagus is done when it turns a bright green colour and is fork-tender.
• (Optional) For some extra flavour, squeeze some lemon juice over the asparagus and sprinkle with parmesan.

Tips

• Choose fresh, firm asparagus with closed tips.
• If you want softer asparagus, cover the pan for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• If you want to add a little char to your asparagus, you can cook it for slightly longer.

How to store pan-seared asparagus

Pan-seared asparagus is best enjoyed the day it's cooked. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the asparagus in a hot pan for about 30 seconds on each side.

It is not recommended to freeze cooked asparagus, as it changes the texture too much.

How to prep asparagus before cooking

Preparing asparagus before cooking is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, it is a good idea to rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, pat the spears dry with a clean cloth or kitchen towel.

The next step is to trim the ends of the asparagus stems, which tend to be tough and fibrous. There are a few ways to do this: you can use a knife to cut the ends, or you can snap them off by hand. If you choose to cut them, trim about half an inch from the very ends, or simply remove the section that appears tough. If you choose to snap them, simply bend each spear and it will naturally break where the tough part of the stem begins. You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin of the stems, which is the toughest part. This method is more time-consuming but results in less waste.

After trimming, you can choose to cut the asparagus into pieces or leave them whole. Leaving them whole makes for a pretty presentation and they can be eaten as finger food. Cutting them into segments works well for stir-frying or sautéing. If you do cut them, try cutting them on the bias for a smart look, and leave the tips a little longer if they are narrow to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with pan-seared asparagus

Pan-seared asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that can complement a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

As a Side Dish

Pan-seared asparagus pairs well with a variety of main courses. Some options include:

• Sirloin steak with garlic butter
• Shrimp scampi
• Chicken or beef
• Salmon
• Pasta
• Eggs

As a Component

Pan-fried asparagus can be a tasty addition to other dishes, such as:

• Multigrain toast with avocado
• Savory oatmeal
• Scrambled or fried eggs
• Pasta

As a Snack

These asparagus spears can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own or with some added ingredients:

• Artichoke chickpea vegan crab cakes
• Mediterranean lentils with roasted eggplant and tomatoes
• Creamy white bean and mushroom orzo
• Mushroom-stuffed cabbage rolls

Some Final Touches

To add some extra flavour to your pan-seared asparagus, consider adding some of these ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Pine nuts
• Almonds
• Thyme
• Parsley

Frequently asked questions