Sautéed Asparagus

A Bright & Flavorful Side Dish 

Looking for a quick, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with just about any main course? This Pan-Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon, Onion, and Garlic is one of my absolute favorites. It’s fresh, zesty, and ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, or brunch spreads. The combination of sweet sautéed onion, fragrant garlic, and a squeeze of lemon brings out the natural flavor of the asparagus while adding brightness and balance. It’s a simple yet elegant side that adds a pop of green and a whole lot of flavor to your plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – From pan to plate in under 15 minutes✔ Fresh & Healthy – A light veggie dish that’s full of nutrients✔ Versatile – Pairs with chicken, fish, steak, or pasta✔ Minimal Ingredients – Simple pantry staples, big flavor

The Recipe: Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon, Onion & Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, or a mix of both)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes or Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Asparagus

• Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into bite-sized pieces (about 2 inches long).

2. Sauté the Onion

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and starting to caramelize.

3. Add Garlic & Asparagus

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

• Stir in the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.

📌 Pro Tip: If your asparagus is thick, add a splash of water or broth and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to steam slightly before removing the lid to finish sautéing.

4. Add Lemon & Serve

• Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus.

• Sprinkle with lemon zest and give it one final toss.

• Garnish with red pepper flakes for a little heat or grated Parmesan for extra richness, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This lemony asparagus dish is the perfect complement to:🥩 Grilled steak or chicken🐟 Roasted or pan-seared salmon🍝 Pasta dishes or risotto🍳 Brunch plates with eggs or quiche

Why This Dish Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon, Onion & Garlic is a no-brainer side dish that works for every season. The balance of tender asparagus, sweet onion, and zesty lemon is light, refreshing, and satisfying.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker and share your fresh and flavorful veggie sides!

Happy cooking!

Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker