This Sauteed Lemon Asparagus is a delicious side dish made with very simple ingredients and in less than 10 minutes! This tender asparagus is a delicious go along with almost any meal and is perfect for both weeknight meals and holiday gatherings. You’ll enjoy every bite of this amazing asparagus!
Original post: June 2012 | Updated: January 2021 and November 2025
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sauteed Asparagus Recipe
- Only a few ingredients and done in 5 minutes!
- Best simple side dish you’ll ever make.
- This simple recipe goes with so many main dishes.
- Great for everything from quick weeknight dinner to special occasion or holiday meals
Lemon Asparagus Ingredients
This easy recipe only needs a handful of basic ingredients.
Olive oil – Or your favorite type of oil. Butter can be used, as well.
Extra-large chicken-flavored bouillon cube
Fresh asparagus – Trim the tough ends of the asparagus.
Seasonings – Salt and pepper, or use your favorites such as garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne.
Fresh lemon juice – Always opt for fresh squeezed for the best lemon flavor.
How to Make Sauteed Lemon Asparagus
This simple vegetable side dish comes together in just a few basic steps.
Step 1
Trim the asparagus bottoms from the spears with a sharp knife.
Step 2
Heat oil in a medium or large skillet. Add the bouillon cube and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon and mix it into the olive oil.
Add the asparagus and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until bright green in color.
Sprinkle with seasonings.
Step 3
Transfer cooked asparagus to a serving platter and drizzle oil from the skillet over the top.
Recipe Notes & Tips for Best Results
- Be sure to trim the woody ends from the asparagus.
- Thicker asparagus may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Try to keep the asparagus in a single layer as it cooks.
- After drizzling the oil over the cooked asparagus, sprinkle Parmesan over the top for an extra punch of flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top of the asparagus before serving.
- Use a plant-based or vegan chicken bouillon if you are looking for a vegetarian side dish.
Best Seasonings for Asparagus
There are a variety of ways to flavor your asparagus from the simple to the spicy. These are a few of my favorite ways to jazz up the flavor of this great side dish.
- Cheeses – Try sprinkling some parmesan or crumbled feta onto your asparagus spears.
- Herbs – You can use a plethora of dried or fresh herbs or compound butters to add flavor. You can also use a mix of dry herbs like Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence.
- Garlic!
- Add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or chili crisp oil for a little heat.
- Squeeze on some lemon juice or add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
What Goes Well With Sauteed Asparagus
Fresh spring asparagus is one of those simple veggies that is the perfect side dish to almost any main dish. Try this sautéed asparagus recipe with any of these tasty options
- Salmon or seafood or fish of any kind such as crab legs or crab cakes
- Ham, Pork Chops or Pork Loin
- Pot roast or other beef dishes
- Chicken and Rice, or Chicken Picatta
This delicious sautéed asparagus also tastes great alongside starchy sides such as mashed potatoes, rice and pasta.
How To Store Cooked Asparagus
After cooking, store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or place in a freezer bag or freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
How To Reheat Asparagus
Reheat asparagus on a medium-high heat in the microwave for about 1 minute, or in a sauté pan with a little olive oil over medium heat just until warmed through.
What To Do With Leftover Asparagus
You can add leftover asparagus to a variety of recipes from breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.
- Add it to Egg Bakes or quiche
- It’s great in simple pasta dishes
- Use it with roasted potatoes or Hash Brown Casserole
- Mix it in with a salad or turn it into a creamy asparagus soup.
More Asparagus Recipes
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Sauteed Lemon Asparagus
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bouillon cube and, using a spatula, break it up and stir it into the olive oil.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bright green in color. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
- Transfer asparagus to a serving platter and drizzle oil from the skillet over the top. Top with lemon slices if desired.
Video
Notes
- Be sure to trim the woody ends from the asparagus.
- Thicker asparagus may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Try to keep the asparagus in a single layer as it cooks.
- After drizzling the oil over the cooked asparagus, sprinkle Parmesan over the top for an extra punch of flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top of the asparagus before serving.
- Use a plant-based or vegan chicken bouillon if you are looking for a vegetarian side dish.
Going to fix dinner do I leave asparagus whole
Yes! You can trim the hard ends but yes, I prepare the whole stalk. Thanks for asking!