Pan-Fried Asparagus Recipe with Lemon Zest for Dinner
This pan-fried asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner side dish, bringing together tender asparagus spears with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic. The dish is prepared in just 10 minutes and can be served as is, or paired with eggs, crumbled feta, or goat cheese for a complete meal.
Equipment
- 10-inch skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus woody ends trimmed
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 garlic clove grated on a Microplane or minced
- Finely grated zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat a 10-inch skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 20 seconds.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, shaking the skillet every minute or so, until the asparagus starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until the asparagus is well-coated and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the asparagus to serving plates and garnish with any optional additions, such as herbs, olives, or cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For variations, try substituting lemon with orange zest and juice for a sweeter citrus profile.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for a full dinner spread.
- Avoid overcooking to maintain the asparagus’s tender-crisp texture.
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