Easy and quick, this sautéed asparagus recipe is done in just 7 minutes (start to finish!) and a delicious way to get a healthy and flavorful veggie side on the table in no time!

Sauteed asparagus in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

Veggie sides are a dinner table essential, but you don’t have to be limited to steamed vegetables or green salads! And they should be as delicious as they are healthy!

This Easy Sautéed Asparagus is a quick and simple side to make any night of the week. Made on your stovetop and ready to eat in about 10 minutes, this recipe is plant based, gluten-free, dairy-free and everything in between! Full of flavor, this asparagus recipes is the perfect side dish to share or to make as part of meal prep so you can easily add a veggie to any meal during the week ahead.

Asparagus on a cutting board with a knife.

Herbs and spices to add to sautéed asparagus

This asparagus recipes is YUM as it is written, but you can totally add your own flare by pumping up the flavor with some of these herbs and spices that are tried-and-true flavor buddies with asparagus.

  • Butter. This recipe calls for olive or avocado oil, but you can use butter instead or add some to the mix!
  • Cheese. Basically any kind you have on hand will elevate the yum factor of this sautéed asparagus. Just sprinkle over the top after cooking.
  • Dill. A sprinkle in with the garlic will be divine!
  • Eggs. Toss some whisked ones in and make an asparagus scramble for breakfast! Or just make my Potato Asparagus Quiche for any meal!
  • Leeks. Sautee them at the same time as the asparagus.
  • Lemons. Squeeze a little juice and add a little zest over the top of this after cooking.
  • Mushrooms. Slice some and toss them in to cook with the asparagus.
  • Parsley. Sprinkle over the top of the asparagus right before serving.
  • Shallots. Chop some up and cook it with the asparagus pieces.

How to select fresh asparagus

  • Select a bunch that looks fresh. The stalks should be firm vs. wilty and limp.
  • Make sure the color of the asparagus is vibrant vs. dull.
  • Buy asparagus stored in the refrigeration section of a store or on ice. Asparagus stays crisp and fresh longer when chilled.
  • Give it a sniff. If it is old and on its way out, asparagus will tell you with a yuck smell.
Asparagus in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon. Fresh minced garlic and salt are in the skillet as well.

How to store fresh asparagus

Treat your fresh asparagus bunch as you would a bouquet of fresh flowers (more or less)

  1. Trim the bottoms of the asparagus spears.
  2. Place trimmed ends of the asparagus in a cup or jar of water.
  3. Cover the tops of your asparagus spears with a plastic bag or reusable silicone bag.
  4. Place covered asparagus in your fridge where is should stay fresh for 4-5 days.

Looking for more tips and tricks to get your produce to last longer? Check out How to Store Asparagus (so it stays fresh!).

This recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo, Whole30 friendly.

Other easy veggie sides to add to your dinner table

Sautéed asparagus in a bowl with ground beef
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7-Minute Sautéed Asparagus

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Author: Taesha Butler
Easy and quick, this sautéed asparagus recipe is a fast (done in 7 minutes, start to finish) and delicious way to get a healthy and flavorful veggie side on the table in no time!
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the asparagus to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bright green and just tender.
  • Add garlic and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
  • Remove from heat and enjoy immediately.