Awesome Asparagus

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly savory, Awesome Asparagus is the ultimate side dish that transforms humble greens into a show-stopping delight! This quick and easy recipe combines tender-crisp asparagus sautéed in olive oil and garlic, perfectly seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A finishing touch of zested lemon and freshly squeezed juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness, while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan provides rich, nutty flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes and featuring simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful side for grilled meats or a quick addition to your spring table, Awesome Asparagus is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the asparagus under cold water and trim the woody ends. To do this, hold each stalk and gently bend until it snaps—this naturally separates the tough base from the tender part.

Step 2

Pat the asparagus dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

Step 5

Add the asparagus to the skillet, arranging it in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6

Cook the asparagus for 6–8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until it becomes tender-crisp and lightly browned in spots.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly in the bright citrus flavor.

Step 8

If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the asparagus for a hint of spice.

Step 9

Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving plate and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. The residual heat will gently melt the Parmesan.

Step 10

Serve immediately as a side dish, and enjoy your Awesome Asparagus!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	514.9 grams (514.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	436

Total Fat 34.70g	44%
Saturated Fat 8.50g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.90g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 646mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate 21.00g	8%
Dietary Fiber 10.40g	37%
Total Sugars 8.60g
Protein 18.50g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 345mg	27%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 957mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.4%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 17.9%