How to Cook Thick Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Thick asparagus is steamed and sautéed in one skillet until crisp-tender and browned in spots, then finished with garlic-lemon butter.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Swivel vegetable peeler
- Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick asparagus trimmed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut 1 to 2 inches from the tough ends. Lay each spear flat on a cutting board and peel from just below the tip to the trimmed end. Rinse and pat dry.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Carefully pour in the water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
- Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté for about 3 minutes, tossing frequently, until the asparagus is browned in spots and crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Return the asparagus to the skillet and toss with the garlic-lemon butter. Serve hot.
Notes
- Choose thick asparagus spears that are at least ½ inch wide at the base.
- Keep each spear flat on the cutting board while peeling so it doesn’t snap.
- Use a skillet large enough to arrange the asparagus in one layer. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For thinner asparagus: Skip peeling and reduce the cooking time. Add only a splash of water, cover for 2 to 3 minutes, then sauté uncovered just until crisp-tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 106.9kcalCarbohydrates: 5.2gProtein: 2.7gTotal Fat: 9.3gSaturated Fat: 4.1gCholesterol: 15.1mgSodium: 149.5mgPotassium: 240.7mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.2g
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