Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus

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We’re making Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus seasoned to perfection with the right amount of crunch. This simple dish will quickly make it into your weekly rotation.

If you're looking for more amazing side dishes like this Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus, check out my Sautéed Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, and my post on How To Roast Broccoli.

Overhead shot of sautéed asparagus with shallots and garlic in a white dish, served with white spoons.

In This Post You'll Find:

Reasons You'll Love It
Ingredients For Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus
Step By Step Instructions
Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus Goes Well With:
Recipe FAQs
More Healthy Veggie Recipes
Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus
Reviews

There are only so many times one can eat plain steamed asparagus. And when I say “one,” I mean Dustin.

As for me, I’ll never get tired of it. You know how there’s that one side or that one recipe that always sounds great for dinner? Well, steamed asparagus is usually the one that comes to mind for me as a healthy side dish, easy to prepare. Just like my Garlic Parmesan Green Beans. So much so that Dustin has come to despise it.

Rightfully so…probably.

So, Dustin had a new request: If we were going to follow a high protein, high vegetable, low carb diet, could we please liven up the asparagus?

Enter this delicious little side dish recipe for Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus— which was Dustin’s idea. Simple, easy, and so very tasty. Just like my Baked Asparagus Fries and my Sugar Snap Peas With Lemon! Try it out — I bet you’ll love it!

Reasons You'll Love It

Simple, easy, and delicious
So many ways to make it
It's packed with nutrients
Low calories

Ingredients For Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus

Overhead shot of fresh asparagus, shallot, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and ground black pepper arranged on a marble surface.

Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Love asparagus like I do? Try my Lemon Roasted Asparagus, too.

Olive Oil: Avocado oil works as a great alternative.

Garlic: Freshly minced is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch.

Lemon Juice: A bright, zesty finish that balances the savory notes. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor.

Step By Step Instructions

Minced garlic on a wooden cutting board with a knife, surrounded by olive oil, salt, pepper, and a whole shallot.

Step 1: Finely chop your garlic, and set aside.

Finely chopped shallots and minced garlic on a wooden cutting board with a knife, next to asparagus and seasonings.

Step 2: Finely chop your shallot, and set aside.

Fresh asparagus with trimmed ends separated on a marble surface, alongside olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Trim your asparagus, cut off about 1-1 ½ inches.

Step 4: Add the asparagus and toss to coat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender, but still slightly firm.

Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus Goes Well With:

Seafood: Either Teriyaki Salmon, Pan Fried Salmon, or Lemon-Herb Tilapia are all delicious with this Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus.
Pork Chops: I recommend trying my Pork Chops with Carolina Spice Rub or Garlic Roasted Pork Chops.
Chicken: Some of my favorite chicken dishes that pair amazingly with asparagus are Healthy Oven Roasted Chicken, Chicken and Rice, and my Panko Baked Chicken Thighs.

Recipe FAQs

How To Store Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus

This Pan-Fried Asparagus stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Reheat in a pan or the microwave for 30-60 seconds. (For more help with storing containers, check out my Ultimate Guide to Best Meal Prep Containers.)

How Do You Keep Asparagus From Getting Stringy?

Most of the fiber in asparagus is found from the crown downwards so you’ll want to discard the bottom-most part of the asparagus stalks where it’s the toughest and the hardest.

Simply bend each spear and it should naturally snap off close to the bottom.

Discard the woody ends at the bottom part and you’re all good! You can also slice them off with a knife if you want to be more precise.

How Do You Know When Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus Is Done Cooking?

Here are tips for knowing when the asparagus is fully cooked:

1. It still has a vivid or bright green color to it (not light green).
2. It has some tenderness to it but with some crunch (when you lift it, it shouldn’t be drooping or soggy).
3. When cut through the stalk, it's not mushy.
4. If bent with your hands, there’s still a slight snap to it.
5. It has a more nutty taste (compared to the bitter taste of raw asparagus).

They should ultimately look like they’re happy to be there on your plate!

More Healthy Veggie Recipes

Check this out these additional healthy veggies posts for more great sides:

Perfect Sauteed Asparagus | And 7 Creative Ways To Season!

Lacey Baier

We’re making Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus seasoned to perfection with the right amount of crunch. This simple dish will quickly make it into your weekly rotation.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Side

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.

Ingredients

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
▢ 1 medium shallot finely chopped
▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste
▢ 1 lb (bunch) asparagus

Instructions

Heat oil in large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallot to the oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook garlic and shallot until shallot begins to sweat and becomes slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the asparagus and toss to coat (I use tongs for this as the asparagus can get a little tricky to toss). Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender, but still slightly firm.

Notes

Trim the ends properly to remove the tough, woody parts for better texture.
Avoid overcooking to keep the asparagus crisp and vibrant.
Use high heat to achieve a quick sear and enhance the natural flavor.
Add lemon at the end to maintain the asparagus’s bright color and fresh taste.
Experiment with flavors by adding ingredients like parmesan, red pepper flakes, or balsamic glaze.

Nutrition

Serving: 10 spearsCalories: 60 kcalCarbohydrates: 5.3 gProtein: 1.7 gFat: 3.5 gSaturated Fat: 0.5 gSodium: 178 mgFiber: 1.7 gSugar: 2.3 g

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This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.