I get excited when I see fresh asparagus at the farmer’s market. Asparagus is one of the first local farmer’s crops here in the spring, and it is a treat to get some that is freshly cut.
Here is a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require many ingredients.
For our family of four, we use about 1-2 bunches of asparagus at a time, and serve it as a side.
It is recommended to store asparagus with the stems in water until you are ready to use it.
For this recipe, you will also need:
~ butter (approx. 1 Tbsp) ~ lemon juice (approx. 2oz) ~ salt & pepper (to taste)
Start by washing the asparagus and then removing the hard ends of the stems. We prefer to do this by hand (rather than estimating the best place to cut the ends), and the kids like to help. Simply break the ends off – the stems should snap easily where it is too hard and tough to eat. Throw out or compost the ends.
Cut the remainder of the asparagus into bite-size pieces, about 1-2″ long. If you prefer, especially for purposes of presentation, you can leave the asparagus whole.
Place in a pan medium-high heat with the butter and lemon juice. Stir occasionally so that the asparagus cooks evenly. You may need to add more lemon juice or even water as the liquid cooks off (you can cover intermittently to help retain moisture).
Remove from heat as soon as the asparagus begins to appear “wrinkly” or start to turn brown, which should be about 5 minutes or less. We like our asparagus cooked lightly, just enough so that it doesn’t get stringy or tough, and stays fresh and crunchy.
Add salt and pepper to taste (we are fans of coarse Himalayan salt).
I have been meaning to try asparagus as a side dish but I have to find a way to get the kids to eat it and this might be the way to do so. Can’t wait to see if it works
My husband will be on top of the world. I never make asparagus because I am not a fan. BUT I will try this because anything in lemon butter is good! I am hoping my kids will try it.
This is one of my favorite ways to have asparagus. With lemon and butter it’s always better. I’m glad my daughters love it too. It’s so healthy and good for you.
What a perfect side dish! I’ve always liked asparagus, so I’ll have to make this one evening.
I read this and was a little apprehensive about the lemon; but, after giving it some thought, I’d like to try this.
This is a really informative post. I can’t wait to make this for my family. It looks so yummy and savory.
I haven’t eaten asparagus in a very long time. My grandmother used to pick it from her garden-fresh and make it. I’ll have to give this recipe a try.
I have been meaning to try asparagus as a side dish but I have to find a way to get the kids to eat it and this might be the way to do so. Can’t wait to see if it works
I store my asparagus that way, but it doesn’t seem to last long in the fridge. How long should it last in the fridge?
I love asparagus. The whole family does actually. I will try this because I am often looking for new ways to cook it.
Yummm! Asparagus is the only vegetable that my kids eat consistently so we have it quite often. I will have to try this way of cooking it!
My husband will be on top of the world. I never make asparagus because I am not a fan. BUT I will try this because anything in lemon butter is good! I am hoping my kids will try it.
This is one of my favorite ways to have asparagus. With lemon and butter it’s always better. I’m glad my daughters love it too. It’s so healthy and good for you.
I love asparagus and I love the advice on how to keep it fresh!
Sounds like a nice dish.Love to give it a try
Sounds like a nice dish. I would love to give it a try
I love asparagus! I am going to try this recipe soon, lemon butter sounds yummy!
I’m not a big fan of asparagus! But knowing its plenty of benefits, I’d love to try your recipe as it looks so yum!
This looks so delicious. Asparagus is one of my all-time favorite veggies.