Pan Fried Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Pan-Fried Asparagus is a quick and flavorful side dish, seared in a hot skillet with butter and garlic until tender. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s finished with parmesan for a savory touch that makes this stovetop favorite irresistible.
For more delicious veggie side dishes, try my Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Mushrooms and Baked Creamy Mixed Vegetables next!
The Best Way to Cook Asparagus
Frying asparagus in a pan is my favorite way to bring out its fresh, vibrant flavor. It keeps the vegetable tender with just the right amount of crisp.
These pan-fried spears soak up the buttery garlic goodness, and when you add a sprinkle of parmesan, they turn into an irresistible spring side dish. Garlic parmesan asparagus is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a nutritious addition to any meal, loaded with vitamins and a perfect way to eat more greens.
Serve it with fish, steak, or chicken, or just enjoy it on its own as a snack or appetizer. This versatile recipe will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
- Asparagus: Fresh, crisp spears are the star of the show. I love how they caramelize in the pan while still keeping a bit of bite.
- Olive oil & butter: The best of both worlds! The olive oil helps prevent burning, while the butter adds richness and that perfect golden sear.
- Garlic: There’s just something about fresh garlic sizzling in butter that makes any dish instantly better. It infuses the asparagus with a deep, savory flavor.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together. A little goes a long way to enhance the natural taste of the asparagus.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts just enough to cling to each spear, adding a salty, nutty finish. I prefer freshly grated, but pre-shredded works too!
- Lemon juice (optional): A quick squeeze at the end brightens up the dish and balances out the richness. If I have extra lemon wedges, I serve them on the side.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives a subtle heat that makes every bite a little more exciting. Perfect if you like a bit of a kick!
How to Pan Fry Asparagus
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
How to Trim Asparagus
I start by trimming the woody ends off the asparagus—just a quick snap where it naturally breaks, or I cut off about two inches from the bottom.
Sear Asparagus
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat up olive oil and butter until the butter melts. Then, I add the asparagus in a single layer and let it sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until it’s tender and lightly browned.
Season
If I want the seared asparagus even more tender, I pop a lid on the skillet for the last two minutes to let it steam. Once it’s cooked to my liking, I add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, I season everything with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Garnish Pan Fried Asparagus
To finish, I sprinkle the asparagus with parmesan and toss it until the cheese melts slightly and clings to each spear. A quick drizzle of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side adds a bright, fresh touch. Then, your garlic parmesan asparagus are ready to serve—simple, flavorful, and done in no time!
How Long to Pan Fry Asparagus
Pan-frying asparagus takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on how tender you like it. I sear the spears for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they’re lightly browned and crisp-tender. If I want them softer, I cover the pan for the last 2 minutes to let them steam a bit.
Pro Tip
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Giving the asparagus enough space ensures each spear gets that perfect sear instead of steaming. If the pan is too crowded, they’ll end up soft and soggy instead of crisp-tender with those delicious golden edges.
Storage
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to toss it back in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to keep it crisp. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, but I’d avoid the microwave since it can make the spears soggy.
What to Serve with Pan Fried Asparagus
These sautéed asparagus spears go with just about anything! I love adding them to meals for a fresh, nutritious boost.
- Hamburger Steak: A hearty, flavorful main that pairs perfectly with the garlicky, cheesy bite of asparagus.
- Marry Me Salmon: The rich, buttery texture of salmon complements the crisp-tender asparagus beautifully.
- Smothered Chicken Breast: Whether it’s grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, chicken and asparagus are a classic, foolproof combo.
- More Sides: It’s also delicious alongside Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese or my Garlic and Herb Mashed Red Potatoes for a well-rounded plate.
FAQ
How do you cook asparagus in a frying pan?
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear asparagus for 2-3 minutes per side until tender. Add garlic, season, and toss with parmesan.
How do I know when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus should be bright green, tender, and lightly browned on the edges. If you prefer a softer texture, cover the pan for the last two minutes to let it steam.
Why is my asparagus soggy?
Overcrowding the pan or cooking on low heat can cause it to steam instead of sear. Make sure the spears have enough space and cook over medium-high heat for the best texture.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but I recommend thawing it first and patting it dry to remove excess moisture. Frozen asparagus won’t get as crisp as fresh, but it will still be flavorful.
More Vegetable Sides:
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
After you try this Pan Fried Garlic Parmesan Asparagus recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!
Ingredients
- 2 bunches Asparagus trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon Butter unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper more or less to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese sub shredded parmesan
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice optional
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
Instructions
- Start by trimming the woody ends off the asparagus. You can do this by bending the stalks gently until they snap naturally. You may end up cutting off about 2 inches of the end of each stalk.
- Add your olive oil and butter to a large shallow skillet, and heat it up over medium high heat until the butter begins to melt.
- Once the butter is melted, add the asparagus to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Depending on how tender you like the asparagus, you can add a lid to your skillet for the last 2 minutes of cooking to help steam the asparagus and make them more tender.
- Once the asparagus is tender, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Season the asparagus with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Toss the asparagus with the seasoning to coat evenly.
- Now sprinkle the grated or shredded Parmesan over the asparagus and toss again until the cheese melts slightly and sticks to the asparagus.
- For a fresh touch, drizzle a little lemon juice over the asparagus before serving, or serve with lemon wedges for a lil’ razzle dazzle! And ENJOY!
Notes
- You can substitute the garlic with shallots or even add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the asparagus for a minute or two after adding the Parmesan.
