Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic [+ Shallots]

The BEST Pan-Fried Garlic Lemon Asparagus

Asparagus isn’t always the most budget-friendly ingredient to source, but while in season (spring!) or on special offer, it’s really worth adding to your dinner table whether making a stir-fry like this shiitake asparagus tofu stir-fry, vegan asparagus soup, roasted asparagus, or this super quick and simple sauteed lemon garlic asparagus.

Not only is this pan-fried asparagus absolutely delicious, but this ingredient is simple to work with, ready in under 20 minutes when cooked on the stove, and makes a super versatile, diet-friendly (gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, keto, whole30) side for almost any meal.

The combination of fresh asparagus with bright lemon, moreish garlic, and crispy shallots is so simple but really makes this fresh spring ingredient shine. Better yet, asparagus is super nutrient-dense, loaded with antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals—including vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as potassium, iron, and folate – while remaining high in fiber and super low on calories.

Best of all, this sautéed asparagus is perfectly flavored, tender-crisp, and ready to enjoy alongside pasta, risotto, salads, and more. You might also enjoy other simple sides like simple curry roasted broccoli, simple sauteed carrots, or baby bok choy with soy sauce and garlic.

The Ingredients

Relying on just a handful of simple and inexpensive ingredients, this sautéed garlic lemon asparagus recipe will steal the spotlight on your dinner table.

What Could I Add To Pan Fried Asparagus with Lemon?

Pan-fried asparagus doesn’t need to rely on tons of ingredients to make its flavors shine. However, here are a few more you can experiment with.

• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili/cayenne pepper.
• Nutritional yeast: To mimic parmesan for a nutty, ‘cheesy’ flavor. How to use nutritional yeast guide here.
• Smoked paprika: To add a subtle smokiness to the pan-cooked asparagus.
• Fresh herbs: This pan-fried asparagus recipe pairs well with several herbs, including fresh parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, and mint. Learn how to store fresh herbs to last here.
• Chopped nuts/seeds: (like slivered almonds or pepitas) to add crunch and protein.
• Balsamic vinegar: Instead of lemon juice, add a little balsamic.

When making pan-sauteed asparagus, you could add extra veggies to the skillet, as long as they’ll cook in a similar time frame, like green beans or thick-cut zucchini.  

How to Make Garlic Lemon Asparagus

There are just a few low-fuss steps to making pan-fried asparagus, making them great for a delicious, last-minute side dish.

If using large asparagus stalks, peel them until about two inches below the tip.

FAQs for Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Use even-sized spears: This is important for them cooking uniformly. Also, medium-sized asparagus works best for sautéed lemon asparagus.
• Cooking time may vary: Based on the asparagus size. Monitor them carefully to cook until tender-crisp. Very thin spears will take 1-2 minutes less, and large ones can take 1-3 minutes more.
• Cut to size: We like to cook the spears whole (after trimming the woody ends) but cut them into 1-2-inch pieces if preferred.
• Be careful not to overcook: Residual heat will continue to cook the pan-seared asparagus for a minute or two after you remove it from the heat, so be careful to remove them when they still have a ‘bite’ to them. However, if you prefer more tender asparagus, sauté them for 1-2 minutes longer.

What To Serve With Garlic Lemon Asparagus?

This is a versatile asparagus side dish for almost any meal. We particularly like it with:

• Pasta: Like butternut squash mac n’ cheese, amazing avocado pesto pasta, and vegan pasta primavera.
• Stir-fries/noodles: Like garlic sesame soba noodles, stir-fried veggies with tofu, veggie brow rice stir-fry, etc.
• Grains: Including warm rice, the best veggie vegan risotto or vegan couscous with veggies, or chilled vegan lemon-garlic Mediterranean quinoa or Mediterranean pearl couscous salad.
• Salad: To accompany leafy green salads, buddha bowls, etc.
• Tofu: Like buttery lemon tofu, sweet and spicy tofu, or easy lemon basil tofu.
• Vegan ‘eggs’: Like vegan frittata, omelet, or vegan potato frittata.
• Vegan ‘steak’: Like mushroom or the best cauliflower steaks.

Storage Recommendations

Freshly cooked pan-fried asparagus will always taste best. However, leftovers will store in an airtight container for 2-3 days (and soften over time). We don’t recommend freezing them, as they’ll become mushy.  

To reheat the leftover lemon asparagus, throw them back into a skillet with a little oil until heated. Optionally add more lemon/garlic if needed.