5 from 62 votes
Sautéed Asparagus
Sautéed Asparagus is a simple side dish featuring asparagus pieces cooked quickly in hot olive oil. The asparagus remains bright green with a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Optional toppings like garlic, shallots, lemon, Aleppo pepper, za'atar, roasted red peppers, and feta add layers of aromatic, tangy, and savory notes that complement the natural flavor of the asparagus. This preparation allows easy seasoning adjustments and works well as a vibrant accompaniment to many meals.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
757 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Sautéed Asparagus
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed and sliced into 3-inch pieces
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 onion chopped, or shallot
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon za'atar spice blend
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers drained and chopped, jarred
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (or more to your liking), crumbled
Instructions
To Cook Asparagus in a Pan
- Get the oil very hot. Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add enough oil to generously coat the pan (about ¼ cup) and wait until it’s shimmering.
- Sauté the asparagus. Add the asparagus and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes, tossing regularly. If you’re adding the toppings, skip to the next step. Otherwise, continue to cook until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Cup of Yum
Optional: Add the Toppings
- Add the aromatics. When the asparagus has lightly softened and is still a bright green, add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Season. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and spices. Top with the roasted peppers and feta cheese.
Notes
- Use a large pan or cast iron skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking and browning of the asparagus.
- Feel free to adjust spices with oregano, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, or extra red pepper flakes for different flavor profiles.
- Optional toppings like garlic, shallots, lemon, Aleppo pepper, za'atar, roasted red peppers, and feta can be added to enhance flavor layers.
- Choose quality Mediterranean ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil and za'atar for authentic flavors.
Nutrition Information
Calories
75.7kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
10.1g
(3%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
1.7g
(9%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.6g
(3%)
Cholesterol
11.1mg
(4%)
Sodium
314.5mg
(13%)
Potassium
332.8mg
(7%)
Fiber
3.8g
(15%)
Sugar
3.4g
(7%)
Vitamin A
1134.8IU
(23%)
Vitamin C
27.4mg
(30%)
Calcium
113.4mg
(11%)
Iron
3.3mg
(18%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 757
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 75.7kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 10.1g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7g | 9% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.6g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 11.1mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 314.5mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 332.8mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3.8g | 15% |
| Sugar | 3.4g | 7% |
| Vitamin A | 1134.8IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 27.4mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 113.4mg | 11% |
| Iron | 3.3mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.