Quick and easy Sautéed Asparagus is a simple, savory side dish that goes well with almost any main dish. Seasoned simply with freshly ground pepper and seasoning salt, this spring vegetable is transformed into a tender and crisp dish that’s perfect for quick dinners, cookouts, and dinner parties. Healthy, flavorful, and delicious!
You can make this easy sautéed asparagus in just 15 minutes or less! It’s a low-maintenance side that relies on very few ingredients to deliver big taste. Keep this recipe on hand for busy weeknights and use it whenever you need something tasty and fast! It’s also a perfect stress-free side dish for fancy dinners such as Easter dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Asparagus
- A quick and easy side dish. This vegan side dish is so quick and easy to make. You simply up a little oil, sauté the asparagus for a few minutes minutes with a generous sprinkle of seasoning salt and pepper and you are done. That's it!
- Only 4 ingredients. There’s nothing difficult about this sautéed asparagus recipe, and that includes the ingredients list. You only need four ingredients, and the list is flexible with room for substitutions for those times when you’re running low on groceries. It is amazing how much flavour these veggies produce. Sometimes, the healthiest side dishes are the tastiest!
- An incredibly versatile side dish. This simple and delicious sautéed asparagus can be served with just about anything, from pastas to roasts and beyond. Call on this recipe anytime you need something fast, easy, and delicious to pair well with an entree.
- It's customizable. This quick and easy sautéed asparagus can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you like your asparagus soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender or on the crispier side and crunchy, it’s easy to tailor this veggie side to your tastes!
- Makes dinner interesting. I love making sides because let's be honest, dinner would be so boring without them. I try to have 2-3 sides to keep my main dish company: salad, rice (we eat it with almost every meal!) and some type of vegetables. This quick and easy sautéed asparagus is one of my favorites — and it will be yours too.
Ingredient Notes
To make this quick and easy Sauteed Asparagus, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- olive oil - you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil to sauté the asparagus. If you aren't sticking to a vegan diet, you can also sauté it in butter for extra flavor.
- asparagus - look for firm and bright green asparagus with tight tips. Avoid asparagus that is slimy or discolored.
- seasoning salt - if you don’t have seasoning salt on hand, use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne powder. You can easily make a homemade blend or use your favorite brand. Or just substitute with regular salt if that is all you have on hand.
- black pepper - freshly ground pepper is great, but you can use pepper that comes pre-ground just as well.
You will also need measuring spoons and a skillet.
How to Make the Best Sautéed Asparagus
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and generously sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-12 minutes, tossing occasionally. If you prefer crisp and crunchy asparagus, cook for only 5 minutes. For softer and more tender asparagus, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Make it cheesy. A little cheese goes a long way. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese on top while the dish is still hot to entice dinner guests (or kids!) to eat more of this sautéed asparagus.
- Add lemon and garlic. Sauté some minced garlic first until fragrant. Then add the asparagus and add in some lemon juice and lemon zest in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Pesto asparagus. Sauté the asparagus, then toss in Basil Pesto and serve with pine nuts sprinkled on top.
- Add balsamic. Drizzle the sautéed asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Use store-bought balsamic reduction or make your own Balsamic Glaze.
- Use a different vegetable. Asparagus is the main ingredient of this recipe, but you can try this same flavor and technique on other vegetables! Just make sure you adjust the cooking time to fully cook your vegetable of choice.
How to Serve
Sautéed Asparagus is delicious served with just about any entree, but it pairs especially well with roasted or grilled proteins such as steak, chicken, pork, or even tofu. Serve this vegan side dish with:
- Ribeye Steak
- Pecan Crusted Chicken
- Honey Glazed Roast Pork
- Garlic Butter Salmon
- Steak Bites
- Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Once you have picked out your entree, you can also pair this quick and easy asparagus with a creamy mashed vegetable. Try it with Mashed Cauliflower, Mashed Potatoes, or Mashed Butternut Squash. The combination of flavours between the asparagus and buttery mashed veggies is something that is so hard to describe. It works amazingly well.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Prepare the asparagus. Wash the asparagus under cold water and trim off the woody ends. You can snap off the ends, or cut them off with a knife.
- Add toppings. You can add toppings such as lemon wedges, grated Parmesan cheese, or toasted nuts to add more flavor and texture to your sautéed asparagus.
- Get creative with leftovers. Sauteed asparagus makes a great addition to chopped salads, veggie omelets and frittatas, quick stir frys, quiches, and more. Use your imagination to ensure all the leftover asparagus is eaten and enjoyed!
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow the asparagus to cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
How to Freeze
You can freeze this sautéed asparagus for up to three months — just place the cooled asparagus in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat or in a 350F preheated oven until heated through and crisp.
More Asparagus Recipes
- How to Cook Asparagus
- Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
- Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
- Lemon Asparagus Soup with Parmesan
- Chopped Asparagus Salad
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon
- Pesto Asparagus
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Recipe
Sautéed Asparagus
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Quick and easy Sautéed Asparagus is a simple, savory side dish that goes well with almost any main dish. Seasoned simply with freshly ground pepper and seasoning salt, this spring vegetable is transformed into a tender and crisp dish that’s perfect for quick dinners, cookouts, and dinner parties. Healthy, flavorful, and delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the asparagus and generously sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-12 minutes, tossing occasionally. If you prefer crisp and crunchy asparagus, cook for only 5 minutes. For softer and more tender asparagus, cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Notes
How to store: Allow the asparagus to cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How to reheat: Reheat in the microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
How to freeze: You can freeze this sautéed asparagus for up to three months — just place the cooled asparagus in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop over medium heat or in a 350F preheated oven until heated through and crisp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I love asparagus and just posted recently about how they are so good with so few ingredients. I love your presentation here. Just gorgeous!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Andrea!
The Food Hunter says
I love asparagus and I love how easy this is
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks! Enjoy 🙂
Michele says
I usually roast my asparagus! I love this idea because it sounds so much quicker! )(and I might add the creamy cauliflower looks delish!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Glad you like the recipe, Michele! I'd highly recommend the creamy cauliflower mash 🙂
Just Jo says
Oh yes please, I love asparagus and these look beautiful, I love the idea of serving on a bed of pureed cauliflower. I'm totally doing that next time we have asparagus!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Jo! Enjoy 🙂
Ridgely's Radar says
YUM! I love asparagus..great recipe! and I love the name of your blog!
ww.ridgelysradar.com
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Ridgely! Glad you stopped by 🙂
Gloria says
I've never attempted asparagus before (gasps!)... but now my world of sides are about to change. Very mouthwatering!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Oh my! You are missing out, Gloria!! 🙂