Pan Fried Asparagus
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Posted: 02/24/25
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Pan-fried asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a hint of garlic. Perfect for pairing with just about any meal, it’s a simple way to make veggies irresistible!
Perfectly tender yet crisp asparagus is the perfect side dish whether it is for a small, cozy meal or to feed a crowd. Vegetables can sometimes be a tough sell, but this pan fried asparagus will be a hit with everyone at the table.
This simple asparagus recipe will have you wondering why you aren’t cooking asparagus more often. So much flavor in such a small amount of time, it is sure to become a favorite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- There is very little prep for this asparagus side dish so you can get it ready while your protein cooks.
- The asparagus is bursting with flavor thanks to seasonings you most likely already have at home.
- From start to finish, this dish only takes about 15 minutes to put on the table.
Ingredients for Pan Fried Asparagus
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will work.
- Olive oil – Gives such a great flavor.
- Sea salt – Sea salt has a nice texture to it and doesn’t dissolve as easily as regular table salt.
- Ground black pepper – Adds great flavor and a tiny kick of spice.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic with butter? Enough said.
- Fresh asparagus – Trim the ends and you’re all set.
Helpful Tools
How to Trim asparagus stalks
Trimming asparagus is a must and so simple. You trim them by cutting the stalk with a sharp knife about 2 inches from the end.
Another way is to snap them with your hands. The woody ends will almost always snap at the right spot so you aren’t left wondering if you have the right amount.
how to cook asparagus
Melt the butter in a skillet and add olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Stir until fragrant.
Add the asparagus to the pan and cook about 8-9 minutes or until fork tender.
That’s it! Just two steps to cook this delicious vegetable side dish.
Can you overcook asparagus?
Yes, you can overcook asparagus. When it is overcooked, it is soggy and really unenjoyable. The skinnier stalks are easier to overcook, so keep a close watch while you’re cooking.
How to serve pan fried asparagus
We love to serve pan fried asparagus as a side to blackened chicken or griddle steaks, two super easy protein options. Asparagus is a really yummy veggie to make when you are having pasta dish like Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
Hasselback potatoes require a pretty long cook time, but that is perfect when this asparagus is so quick. Maybe a more classic mashed potato is more your style, we have really perfected this recipe!
No meal is complete without a little sweet treat like decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars or a super fun no bake S’Mores Trifle.
How to store leftovers
FRIDGE: Store leftover pan fried asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
FREEZER: I don’t recommend freezing leftover asparagus because asparagus will get soggy when it thaws.
How to reheat leftovers
To reheat asparagus and enjoy again, simply fry asparagus in a little butter or oil on the stove top.
Leftover asparagus can be a tricky one to reheat with the same crunchy texture, so it is a good idea to use them in another dish like a stir fry.
Pro Tips
- Trim the ends of your asparagus to avoid an unpleasant woody taste.
- Heat the pan before you add the butter to allow the butter to really spread out in the pan.
- If you have large asparagus, you can blanch them before you fry them to give a bit of a head start.
- Sprinkle on parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes or drizzle lemon juice to serve for a little extra flavor.
- Asparagus is in season from February until June so if you can get your hands on some fresh, local asparagus you’re in for a real treat!
This asparagus is the easy side dish you’ve been looking for. Cooked to fork-tender perfection, there is no room for soggy asparagus here. This is definitely a dish you will add to your list of favorites.
More great side dishes
- No meal is complete without a delicious veggie dish and our colorful Roasted Vegetables are so easy to prepare.
- A classic carrot dish always goes a long way on the dinner table, glazed carrots have a little bit of extra flavor.
- Homemade queso, bacon and sour cream put these Loaded Tater Tots over the edge!
- If you’re a big fan of potato salad but want to switch it up, give Dill Potato Salad a try.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Pan Fried Asparagus
Pan-fried asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish that's soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and has a light garlic taste. It's an easy and tasty way to make veggies the star of any meal!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears trimmed
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, salt, garlic and pepper. Cook and stir until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the asparagus to the pan and cook until fork-tender, turning asparagus often to ensure even cooking, about 8-9 minutes.
Tips
FRIDGE: Store leftover pan fried asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
FREEZER: I don’t recommend freezing leftover asparagus because asparagus will get soggy when it thaws.
To reheat asparagus and enjoy again, simply fry asparagus in a little butter or oil on the stove top.
Leftover asparagus can be a tricky one to reheat with the same crunchy texture, so it is a good idea to use them in another dish like a stir fry.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 190kcal (10%), Carbohydrates: 5g (2%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 19g (29%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 31mg (10%), Sodium: 675mg (29%), Potassium: 243mg (7%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 1213IU (24%), Vitamin C: 7mg (8%), Calcium: 36mg (4%), Iron: 3mg (17%)
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