Savory Sautéed Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon Zest

Ingredients

- 1 pound of fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus under cold water. Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches from the bottom.

2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil covers the bottom of the pan evenly.

3. Sauté Asparagus: Add the asparagus to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they start to become tender and slightly browned.

4. Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being cautious not to burn it.

5. Season and Flavor: Sprinkle the asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the lemon zest and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Finish With Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the asparagus. Toss to coat thoroughly.

7. Optional Garnish: If desired, top the asparagus with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT10M
10 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT10M
10 minutes

Total Time

- PT20M
20 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Asparagus
- Sautéed asparagus
- Garlic asparagus
- Lemon asparagus
- Quick dinner
- Healthy dinner
- Vegetable side dish
- Easy sauté recipe
- Gourmet asparagus
- Dinner recipe

Recipe Yield

- Serves 4 adults

Calories

- Total Calories: 250

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