Pan Fried Asparagus ~ Fresh asparagus spears sautéed with olive oil, butter, garlic, and simple seasonings. A light, fresh, and easy 10-minute vegetable side dish that pairs well with a variety of cuisines.
Skillet Asparagus Recipe
Asparagus cooks quickly in a hot pan, making it a practical choice when something green needs to hit the table without a lot of prep. The garlic is added at the end so it doesn’t burn, and the butter helps round out the flavor while the spears stay crisp-tender. This method works with thick or thin asparagus—adjust the cook time slightly depending on the size.
As a home cook focused on plant-based and vegetarian recipes, I rely on simple techniques like this one to keep side dishes consistent. The ingredients are basic, the timing is short, and the results are reliable.
Ingredients for Pan Fried Asparagus
You will need the following:
- Olive oil – Helps cook the asparagus evenly and keeps it from sticking to the pan.
- Butter – Adds flavor and richness. Use plant-based or dairy butter depending on preference.
- Asparagus – Trim off the woody ends before cooking. Thinner spears will cook more quickly than thick ones.
- Fresh Garlic – Minced and added during the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – A small pinch of each is often enough to bring everything together.
How to Choose the Best Asparagus
- Look for bright green, medium-sized asparagus (no larger then 1/2-inch in diameter) with tightly closed tips and firm stalks that stand on their own with no wilting.
How Do You Trim Asparagus?
Trimming asparagus is the process of removing the tough, woody ends and slimming down the stalks, if needed.
- An easy way to tell where to cut the asparagus is to look for the point where the coloring of the stalk begins to fade towards white.
- It’s not an exact science. I usually keep the stalks bundled or line them up on a cutting board and give them one good whack altogether.
How to Cook Asparagus on the Stove
STEP ONE: Heat the oil and butter. Add the olive oil and butter to a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add the asparagus.
STEP TWO: Saute the asparagus. Cook for 3-5 minutes (exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your stalks), turning frequently until crisp-tender.
STEP THREE: Add the garlic. Turn the heat down to low. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
STEP FOUR: Season and serve. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
How Do You Know When Asparagus is Cooked?
- It will be crisp-tender and bright green in color. Once the color intensifies, grab a stalk out of the pan and take a bite. You’ll know when it’s to your liking.
What to Serve With Asparagus
Pan-fried asparagus pairs well with a wide range of mains. Serve it alongside baked pasta, Lemon Dill Tofu, creamy risotto, or hearty rice bowls. It also makes a simple side for spring-focused dinners or brunch dishes like Tofu Benedict Florentine or Vegan Crab Melts.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.
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Pan Fried Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and butter to a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add the asparagus.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes (exact time will vary depending on the thickness of your stalks), turning frequently until crisp-tender.
- Turn the heat down to low. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Nutrition
This post was updated on April 21, 2025.
Anthony Pandolfino
Thank you for the very nice recipes.Keep the good work up.