Description
This Garlic Butter Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus sautéed in rich butter with aromatic garlic and toasted almonds. Finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and optional parsley garnish, this dish perfectly balances savory and fresh flavors for an easy, elegant addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Asparagus
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and rinse thoroughly under cold water to clean.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, preparing for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Cook Garlic and Almonds: Add thinly sliced garlic and sliced almonds to the melted butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then remove this mixture from the pan and set aside to prevent burning.
- Sauté Asparagus: Place the asparagus in the same pan and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp—cooked through but still with a slight bite.
- Combine Garlic-Almond Mixture: Return the cooked garlic and almond mixture to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss everything together gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Season and Finish: Season the dish with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter asparagus hot for the best taste and texture. Enjoy immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can omit the sliced almonds for a nut-free version.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference; add more for a stronger flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- To keep asparagus tender-crisp, avoid overcooking past 8 minutes.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or can be served as part of a vegetarian meal.
