Sauteed Asparagus

This recipe for sauteed asparagus goes from pan to plate in 10 minutes with a little twist. Switch up the regular butter with a bit of soy sauce to toss your tender spears in for loads of flavor!

Why this recipe works

Not only is sauteed asparagus a nutritious choice, but it cooks up beautifully in a pan in only 10 minutes which is perfect when you have something baking in the oven and don’t have the room for roasted asparagus or don’t want to stand in the rain to make grilled asparagus.

Asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Its fiber content helps maintain a healthy gut on top of the benefits you receive from vitamins A and C, so we’re always looking for ways to dress it up. Today, we’re tossing this sauteed asparagus in soy sauce and minced garlic with a bit of garlic salt and black pepper to help the flavors shine.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

ASPARAGUS – The easiest way to trim the woody ends of asparagus off is to hold it with both hands. Position one hand in the center of the stalk, and the other at the woody end. Bend the stalk until it snaps. You can do this with all your asparagus spears or simply use a knife to cut the rest using the first one you snapped as a reference for where to slice.

SOY SAUCE – The soy sauce adds an extra element of flavor. You can omit it if desired or melt 2-3 Tablespoons of butter in the skillet to coat the asparagus in instead.

ADDITIONS – You can season the asparagus however you’d like. Salt and pepper is always a solid option, but we also think this recipe would be delicious sprinkled with homemade Cajun seasoning!

How to Make Sauteed Asparagus

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Trim off wood ends from the asparagus.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add garlic to skillet and saute for 1 minute.
4. Add asparagus spears and turn to coat in oil and garlic.
5. Season spears with garlic salt and pepper and toss to coat.
6. Add soy sauce to the hot skillet, turning the spears to coat.
7. Asparagus can be overcooked quickly. It’s best to cook it fast, turn off the heat, and allow to sit for a minute or so before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Asparagus is typically done cooking once it reaches a rich bright green color. Once it’s bright green it should be tender yet crisp. You can continue to cook the asparagus to soften it further if that’s what you prefer. The cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your asparagus spears. For small thinner spears, they’ll cook up in around 3 minutes, medium-sized asparagus take around 6 minutes, while large, thick asparagus spears will take closer to 10 minutes to become tender. It also comes down to personal preference. Do note that asparagus can overcook very quickly, so keep an eye on them in the pan. You can test for tenderness by poking them with a fork.

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. Microwaving leftover asparagus may cause them to become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Sauteed asparagus is a really versatile side dish. Pair it with protein such as pork, beef, chicken, or seafood. We especially love serving it alongside dill salmon.

More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

• Glazed Carrots
• Roasted Green Beans
• Steamed Asparagus
• Roasted Red Potatoes
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!