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.
In This Post You'll Find:
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
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
- Step 1: Finely chop your garlic, and set aside.
- Step 2: Finely chop your shallot, and set aside.
- 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
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.)
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.
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:
Easy Pan-Fried Asparagus
Equipment
*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
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
Dustin
Love a good asparagus recipe
Lacey Baier
Who doesn't? Hope you enjoy it.
Vida (NYC)
I'm trying this asparagus recipe tonite for my husband. He loves asparagus. Me, not so much, but, hey, you do what you gotta do!!! lol What caught my attention to this recipe was that it was very well written and even though it might be a little average, it sounds perfect with just the right amount of ingredients and love put into it. Thank you, and I will def be trying some of your other recipes!!
Lacey Baier
Thats awesome to hear. I hope you and your husband enjoyed it.
Kayiona
hi!!! thank you!!! thank you!!! thank you!!! my first experience with asparagus was great thanks to you. i did however tweak the recipe and used a white onion instead of a shallot. it was really tasty thanks again:)
Lacey Baier
Hi Kaylona! You are very, very welcome! Congrats on your first asparagus recipe 🙂
Kathy Baier
Hi Lacey! I made this tonight for dinner. Another success thanks to you. XOXOXOXO
Lacey Baier
Yay!! Always good to hear from you, Kathy! I'm glad the asparagus recipe turned out well 🙂
Heidi @ Food Doodles
That looks delicious! I always need more ideas for asparagus. If you haven't you should try roasting it, it's so yummy 🙂 Love the flavorings in yours though!
Lacey Baier
Wow -- roasting asparagus sounds awesome! I've never tried it, but will do so soon. Thanks!!
purabi naha
I loved this sauteed asparagus recipe. Perfect for summers! So happy to have stumbled upon your blog today...it is great!
Lacey Baier
Thank you very much...and, welcome!! 🙂
Meryl
This sounds great! Thanks for posting!
Lacey Baier
You are very welcome!