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Pan Fried Asparagus

Our Pan Fried Asparagus recipe takes tender asparagus pieces and turns them into a perfect garlic butter side dish. It’s a simple recipe with only 5 ingredients that makes it a perfect side dish when you have fresh asparagus.

Main image of Pan Fried Asparagus on Plate ready to serve

My favorite thing to eat in the spring season is fresh tender pan-roasted asparagus. It is just so good.

Frying asparagus in a pan turns it a bright green color and has so much flavor.

The combination of butter and garlic takes the natural flavor of asparagus and raises it to new heights.

It’s a healthy way to eat more vegetables too.

Asparagus is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

The great thing about our modern society is even when asparagus is not growing in your backyard, somewhere in the world or in a greenhouse it is in season.

Which means you can find perfectly fresh thinner spears of asparagus any time of year in your local grocery store.

And that means you can have this delicious way to serve it any time of year.

Grab some fresh veggies and lets get making this pan fried asparagus.

Ingredients for Pan Fried Asparagus laid out on the counter

What Ingredients Are in Pan Fried Asparagus?

  • Fresh Asparagus Spears: these tender stalks are full of classic flavor.
  • Butter: adds richness and helps to achieve that perfect golden sear.
  • Garlic: gives the asparagus fry pan dish a savory, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt: enhances the natural taste of the asparagus, garlic, and butter.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.

Pro Tip: Choose asparagus with firm stems and tightly closed tops of the spears for the freshest flavor.

Asparagus laid out on cutting board cut into 1 inch pieces

How to Make Pan Fried Asparagus:

  1. Trim asparagus by cutting off the woody ends (tough part).
  2. Chop asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in the hot pan.
  5. Cook asparagus in fry pan in a single layer and cook until crisp tender.
  6. Serve immediately on your favorite serving plate.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the fry pan asparagus. You want to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.

Cast iron skillet with butter melting

How to Store Pan Fried Asparagus:

Store leftover fried asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For best flavor and texture, reheat in a warm skillet over medium-high heat until just heated through.

Garlic, Asparagus, Salt and Pepper added to skillet with melted butter

How Long Does Pan Fried Asparagus Last:

This skillet fried asparagus recipe lasts about 20 minutes after cooking at my house.

But if you have a smaller crowd, it will keep for about 2 days before the texture changes too much.

Pro Tip: My favorite way to use these pan fry asparagus leftovers is to add them to a morning omelet! They are already cooked, bite sized, and are a great way to start your day. The next time you make them, save a bit for the next morning.

zoomed in image of skillet asparagus in pan

Can You Freeze Pan Fried Asparagus?

No, you should not freeze this asparagus recipe. It may become mushy when thawed.

What to Serve with Pan Fried Asparagus?

Serve fried asparagus as a healthy side dish next to a number of different dishes.

You could pair them with Chicken Carbonara Recipe, Pan Fried Steaks, or a Delicious Soup for a complete meal.

You could also serve them with a potato, vegetables or a Tasty Bread for a hearty dinner.

Try one of these potato dishes: Sour Cream Potato Salad, Hasselback Baked Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Oven Baked Potatoes.

Additional vegetable dishes you could serve with this are: Chef Salad, Chipotle Cauliflower Rice, Roasted Radicchio with Grapes, and Broccoli Casserole with Stuffing.

Our favorite bread dishes are: Little Caesars Crazy Bread Recipe, Easy Dinner Rolls, and Ice Box Rolls.

This delicious recipe is sure to become your favorite side dish during asparagus season.

I have not found a wrong way to serve it.

Wooden spoon scooping a portion of cooked asparagus out of skillet

Is Pan Fried Asparagus Gluten-Free?

Yes, this skillet asparagus recipe is naturally gluten-free.

It is a perfect side dish to feed your friends and family with dietary restrictions.

Is Pan Fried Asparagus Healthy?

Yes this pan fried asparagus is healthy!

Asparagus is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Cut, cooked asparagus on plate, ready to eat

Can You Eat Asparagus Raw?

Yes you can eat asparagus raw.

But if is really easy to taste the woody part when you eat it raw.

Cooking asparagus like in this pan-fried asparagus recipe enhances its flavor and makes it easier to digest.

When Is Asparagus In Season?

Asparagus is typically in season during the spring months.

In the northern hemisphere that means from March to June, and in the southern hemisphere from September to November.

Fork piercing asparagus being held over plate of asparagus piece

Whether you are looking for the best way to make pan fried asparagus or are just looking for a side dish with minimal effort, this sauteed asparagus recipe is a delicious side dish you will reach for again and again.

With a quick cooking time and 5 simple ingredients, it is the best thing you can put on the table in the spring.

Yield: 6 Servings

Pan Fried Asparagus

zoomed in side view of asparagus on a plate, ready to serve.

The buttery goodness of Pan Fried Asparagus is one everyone loves. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a kid favorite that tastes great.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Instructions

  1. Cut off and discard the woody ends of the asparagus. This is usually the bottom 1 inch to 1 ½ inches of asparagus.
  2. Cut remaining asparagus into 1 inch pieces.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add garlic, Asparagus, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender crisp.
  6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 178Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 323mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g

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Allyson Zea

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

Wow this was totally incredible! Thanks for the easy recipe!

Catalina

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

The Pan Fried Asparagus was a delightful side dish! It was simple to make but packed with flavor. The asparagus had a nice crisp-tender texture, and the seasoning was spot on. This is my new go-to recipe for asparagus!

Sandra

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

I love how easy and simple this dish is to make! Turned out really good, even the kids liked them!

Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

I've never tasted asparagus this good! The buttery, garlicky flavor was absolutely irresistible! The kids also loved it!

Krystle Smith

Monday 5th of August 2024

The garlic butter perfectly complements the crisp-tender asparagus. So quick and easy, yet it tastes like a gourmet side.

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