Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic [+ Shallots]

This lemon garlic sautéed asparagus is quick, fresh, simple, packed with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for serving with practically any meal!

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, asparagus soup, sesame 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 green sides like curry roasted broccoli or garlic baby bok choy.

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.

• Asparagus: Sautéed asparagus works best with in-season medium-sized stalks.
• Garlic: For the best flavored sautéed asparagus with garlic, use fresh garlic cloves. However, garlic powder will work in a pinch.
• Fresh lemon juice: Add a little lemon zest for even more citrus flavor.
• Oil: Use neutral-tasting cooking oil like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. For more flavor and richness, use garlic oil or vegan butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance).
• Shallot: (optional) Shallots, sweet onion, or the whites from scallions would all create a crispy, oniony flavor that adds texture and flavor to the skillet asparagus.
• Salt & black pepper: (optional) to season.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 1) First, rinse and trim the asparagus by either trimming the bottom 2 inches or snapping the woody end from one spear (it should naturally snap where the woody part ends), then use a knife to cut the remaining spears to the same size. Meanwhile, juice the lemon, thinly slice the shallot (if using), and mince the garlic.

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

• 2) Heat the oil and sliced shallots in a large skillet over medium heat until they sizzle. Then add the garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the shallots turn golden-brown.

• 3) Increase the heat to medium-high, add the asparagus, and toss everything to coat.

• 4) Reduce the heat to medium once more, add the lemon juice, cover the pan, and allow the lemon garlic asparagus to cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Taste and optionally season with salt and pepper, then enjoy!

FAQs

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.

How To Tell When Sautéed Asparagus Is Done?

When ready, the asparagus spears should be a vibrant green and slightly bendy but still have a ‘bite.’ If you’d prefer them to be more tender, cook for 1-2 minutes longer.

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.

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, pesto pasta, and vegan pasta primavera.
• Stir-fries/noodles: Like garlic sesame soba noodles, spicy sesame tofu stir-fry, brown rice stir-fry, etc.
• Grains: Including warm rice, veggie risotto or couscous, or chilled Mediterranean quinoa or couscous salad.
• Salad: To accompany leafy green salads, buddha bowls, etc.
• Tofu: Like buttery lemon tofu, sweet and spicy tofu, or Thai basil tofu.
• Vegan ‘eggs’: Like vegan frittata, omelet, scrambled tofu, or breakfast casserole.
• Vegan ‘steak’: Like mushroom or cauliflower steaks.

More Vegetable Side Dishes

• Simple braised cabbage
• Glazed carrots
• Oven baked mushrooms
• Creamy mashed cauliflower
• Roasted Brussel sprouts with cranberries
• Indian roasted butternut squash with caramelized onions

Photos by Alfonso Revilla