Sautéed Asparagus

This Sautéed Asparagus recipe is my favorite easy side, and takes only 5 minutes! They're perfectly tender, buttery, and infused with garlic.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 75kcal

Remove the woody ends of the asparagus by bending gently and letting them break naturally.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot, then add butter (or your choice of cooking oil).
Add asparagus and toss gently to coat.
Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes until the asparagus turns bright green and tender.
Remove from heat, and toss with the fresh garlic at the end of cooking so it doesn't burn and get bitter.
Finish with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe? Yes! If fresh asparagus isn’t available, you can use frozen. Just thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel to prevent excess water from steaming the asparagus instead of sautéing it.
Can I make this recipe without butter? Olive oil, avocado oil, or even ghee work great as substitutes. Olive oil will give it a lighter, fresher flavor, while ghee adds richness.
Flavor variations: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also pair beautifully with asparagus.