Making an impressive main dish is hard work, so we’re partial to simple sides that pack a punch with little effort. This sauteed asparagus is crunchy, flavorful, and delightfully easy to make. All you need is a bunch of asparagus, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s almost too easy!
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.
Ingredients for Sauteed Asparagus
Here’s what you’ll need to make sauteed asparagus (psst: there are only 6 ingredients!):
- Asparagus: Choose stalks that are firm to the touch and do not appear limp or wilted. The tips should be closed tightly.
- Oil: Coats the asparagus to help it brown in the pan without burning. We like olive oil for the rich taste it imparts, but canola or vegetable will also work well.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle earthy and savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the asparagus.
- Lemon: Adds a pop of brightness and freshness to the cooked asparagus.
What Else Can I Add?
This is a great recipe for playing with different seasoning blends. Try:
- Tony Chachere’s
- Lawry’s
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Garlic Herb Seasoning
- Parmesan Cheese
Tip for Sauteed Asparagus
Asparagus does not need to be cooked for long. Once it turns bright green from end to end, it’s done! In fact, it’s even better a little underdone. It should not be mushy or floppy in texture and appearance, it should hold its “spear” shape when cooked correctly.
WHat To Serve with Sauteed ASparagus
This sautéed asparagus is such a versatile side dish. It truly goes with everything! We love it served with Chicken Cordon Bleu, Garlic Butter Baked Cod, Glazed Pork Chops, or BBQ Ribs. Drizzle them with a little bit of Balsamic Glaze to really take them to the next level.
I served this asparagus with our Parmesan Risotto, and it made the ultimate fresh and delicious meal for my family.
Got an Air Fryer? Try our easy Air Fryer Asparagus version next!
Sauteed Asparagus
Servings 4Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (1 lb.) ($3.87)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.13)
- 1 tsp salt ($0.05)
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.05)
- 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.06)
- 1 fresh lemon (optional) ($0.58)
Instructions
- Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus.
- Add oil to a large frying pan on medium high heat. Add asparagus and gently shake to cover each spear with oil. Add the salt and pepper and cook, shaking every so often, until asparagus turns bright green, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!
how to make Sautéed Asparagus – step by step photos
Cut off the woody ends of 1 bunch asparagus.
Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a large frying pan on medium-high heat, then add the asparagus and gently shake to cover each spear with oil. Shake every so often, until asparagus turns bright green, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle over 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper and add 1 clove minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice from 1 whole lemon. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
This sautéed asparagus is so simple and delicious!
I love asparagus and normally I would bake it and overcook it. However, trying your recipe was exactly what I needed. It turned out perfect. Whenever I receive an email from you, I always find something to try. Thanks so much for sharing your recipes, from Dinner to Snacks and everything in between.
You’re not alone when it comes to overcooking asparagus! I feel like that could be the reason some people dislike it?! I’m so glad to hear you tried it and loved it. Simple is best sometimes! Thanks for trying it and sharing.
I am a longtime reader of the site, and several of our favorite dinner recipes (Cajun salmon burgers! Sesame chicken!) are ones I found here. Of late, though, the recipe offerings haven’t been as interesting. Sauteed asparagus–this is not a recipe. This is a cooking technique. Nothing against these–as a beginning cook, I definitely needed a lot of posts like that!–but it seems like several of those could be put together for a handful of master posts, allowing for more actual recipes to be published. IMO it would be better to have higher quality posts published less often? I do not want to be negative, because this site really has been such a great resource for me, but these are my thoughts.
Hi Lauren! Totally get where you’re coming from! Unfortunately, if we put recipes all together in one post, it makes it difficult for people to find the recipe when they need it. For example, if someone buys asparagus and isn’t sure how to prepare it, they might google ‘sauteed asparagus’ and if we’ve buried the recipe with along with something else, it won’t come up for them. We appreciate that not every post will apply to ever single person, some may too complicated, some may be too easy, but we always want to be here to help a range of people. :) You never know, your Cajun Salmon Burgers might need a nice simple, vegetable side dish one day. ;) Thanks for being a loyal reader!