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I love simple sides.  And asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables to cook as a side around this time of year.  If you are looking for how to cook asparagus, this is the easiest and tastiest way that I know, and it’s sure to turn out every time.  Sauteed asparagus is a quick and delicious side for just about any spring dish.

Sauteed Asparagus

All you need is asparagus and butter.  Find the skinniest asparagus that you can.  It is more tender and cooks faster.  Thick asparagus tends to be tougher and not as flavorful.  I also recommend unsalted butter that way you have control over how salty the asparagus is.

Asparagus and Butter

Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.  Trim off about the bottom inch at the base of the spear, as this is the thick, woody, unappetizing part of the spear.  You can also gently bend the spear near that area, and it will snap at just the right spot.

Cut Asparagus

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium high heat.  This was a little too much butter for the amount of asparagus I had, so I did take some of it out of the pan.  About 1 to 2 tablespoons seems to be about right per pound of asparagus.

Butter

Add the asparagus and stir well to get it coated in butter.

Saute

Cook and stir the asparagus over medium high heat until it is crisp-tender.  Thin asparagus will cook in about 7 to 8 minutes, while thicker asparagus may take up to 15 minutes.  Bite into a piece to check the doneness after the asparagus turns bright green and looks tender.  If it is not tender enough, cook it another minute or two.  Check it often, because noone likes limp asparagus spears 😉

Sauteed Asparagus

Salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Sauteed Asparagus

Simple Side: Sauteed Asparagus

Print Recipe
Course Side Dish, Vegetables
Servings 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 1/2" pieces
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium high heat. Add asparagus and stir well. Cook and stir asparagus over medium high heat until crisp-tender. Thin asparagus will cook in about 7 to 8 minutes, while thicker asparagus may take up to 15 minutes.
  • Bite into a piece to check doneness after asparagus turns bright green and looks tender. If it is not tender enough, cook another minute or two. Salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.