This Easy Garlic Lemon Asparagus is just as the title implies: easy! It’s crunchy, flavorful, bright and is the perfect side dish to add to any Spring menu!
I remember growing up and seeing asparagus on TV shows and movies – they always made it look so glamorous. It was without a doubt always paired with a huge steak and glass of red wine. Oh, and a super attractive couple nibbling at it before they inevitably just only drank the wine.
We never really ate asparagus when I was a kid, so, needless to say, as I grew older, I wanted to try it.
I’ve learned over the past few years that it can be tricky! All asparagus are not the same. There are very thick stalks and very thin stalks. Pro tip: if your asparagus stalks are thick, they need MORE cooking time. And if they’re thin: LESS cooking time.
Remember that little tid-bit as I continue on with this recipe!
Asparagus has quickly become one of my favorite side dishes. It’s easy, quick and SO good for you! It’s a great source of fiber and is full of anti-oxidants. Not to mention, now that it’s officially Spring (!!!!), asparagus is in season! Right now it will have the most flavor.
This asparagus by itself is wonderful. But when you add just some simple pantry items like: olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic and lemon. The flavor literally explodes. It’s SO good. The acidity of the lemon adds the perfect hint of citrus to the crunchy asparagus. The freshly sliced garlic has the perfect amount of caramelization and will forever and ever beat out garlic powder. The generous amount of salt and pepper just helps enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Finally, the sautéing helps to cook down the asparagus, but it still retains this amazing crunch and juiciness.
This is absolutely the easiest veggie side you can take to your Easter dinner festivities this weekend. Or heck, just eat it all on a plate for lunch like I just did. #noregrets
Find the recipe below and have a Happy Easter! P.S. Thank you, Jesus! For everything. 🙂
Easy Garlic Lemon Asparagus
Ingredients
- 16 oz asparagus
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
Instructions
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Cut the hard bottom stalks off of your asparagus. Slice 4 cloves of garlic and set aside. Cut one lemon in half. Set aside.
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Heat up your skillet on medium heat and add in the olive oil. Let the skillet get hot. Add in your asparagus. Use tongs to coat the stalks in the olive oil. Afterward, liberally season with salt and pepper.
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Cook your asparagus for 3-4 minutes. You will need to cook it a couple minutes longer if you have very thick asparagus stalks. After the 4 minutes, add in the sliced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has cooked through and is aromatic.
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Take the asparagus off the heat. Squeeze the juice of half of the lemon straight into the skillet. Transfer to a serving dish, place sliced lemon on top for garnish. Serve immediately!