Garlic Butter Asparagus Recipe

Garlic Butter Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prep Asparagus:

1. Trim Asparagus:
   • Wash the asparagus spears and trim off the tough ends. You can do this by holding each end of the asparagus and bending it; it will naturally snap where the tough part ends.

Cook Asparagus:

2. Boil or Steam (Optional):
   • If you prefer a tender-crisp texture, you can briefly boil or steam the asparagus for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. However, you can skip this step if you prefer to sauté them entirely.
3. Sauté Asparagus:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until melted.
4. Add Garlic:
   • Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.
5. Add Asparagus:
   • Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the garlic butter. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
6. Sauté Until Tender:
   • Sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Season:
   • Season the asparagus with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Garnish and Serve:

8. Optional Garnishes:
   • If desired, garnish the Garlic Butter Asparagus with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve Hot:
   • Transfer the garlic butter asparagus to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus for a burst of citrus flavor if you like.
10. Enjoy:
    • Serve the Garlic Butter Asparagus immediately as a delicious side dish.

Notes:

• Grilled Asparagus Option: If you prefer, you can also grill the asparagus for a smoky flavor. Brush them with garlic butter before grilling.
• Variations: Experiment with additional seasonings such as lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for added complexity.
• Roasting Option: You can roast the asparagus in the oven instead of sautéing. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast for about 12-15 minutes until tender.

This Garlic Butter Asparagus recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes and is quick to prepare.

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