Ready in 10 minutes: Easy Healthy Asparagus

Asparagus is a kitchen mainstay in many households, and is one of our favorites for a quick, nutritious, and delicious everyday meal. Today, we're diving into a delicious asparagus recipe that checks all those boxes and more—and it only takes 10 minutes!

Why Asparagus?

What’s not to like? Asparagus is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

The 10-Minute Asparagus Recipe:

Ingredients:

Fresh asparagus spears
Extra virgin olive oil
1-2 cloves of minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
A splash of dry white wine

Instructions:

How to Make a Quick Asparagus Side Dish:

Prep the Asparagus: Begin by washing the asparagus and trimming the tough ends. The easiest way to find where the stalk naturally breaks is by gently bending it; it'll snap right where the woody part ends and the tender part begins.
Sautéing: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a splash of extra virgin olive oil. You could also add butter, or completely substitute olive oil with butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it's aromatic but not browned (we don't want any bitterness).
Cook the Asparagus: Add the asparagus spears to the skillet, ensuring they're spread out evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Wine Time:After about 2 minutes, when the asparagus begins to turn bright green and slightly tender, pour in the dry white wine. This deglazes the pan, picking up those delicious caramelized bits, and also imparts a subtle slightly sweet layer of flavor to the asparagus.
Serve: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender yet crisp. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions: You can pair this versatile dish with grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or even a delicate fish fillet. Optionally, drizzle it with bit of lemon juice for additional zest.

This 10-minute asparagus dish is quick, simple, and totally delightful. Best of all, you can make it as a side dish, a quick healthy snack, or even a last-minute main dish. What are you waiting for?

Golden Tips for Perfecting Your 10-Minute Asparagus Side Dish:

Selection: Opt for firm asparagus stalks with closed, compact tips. They should be a rich green with no dry or woody bottoms.
Size Matters: Choose uniform-sized spears for even cooking. Remember, thicker spears are mature and thinner ones are tender.
Storage: Store asparagus upright in a jar with some water in the fridge to keep them crisp.
Avoid Overcooking: Aim for asparagus that's tender but slightly crisp for the best texture.
Deglazing: Use good quality dry white wine to lift tasty bits from the pan. Alternatively, a splash of broth works too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. Don't let it brown, as it can turn bitter.
Boosting Flavor: Add red chili flakes for heat or Parmesan cheese for richness.
Healthy Twist: Sauté with high-quality olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.
Serving Freshness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the asparagus's flavor.
Pairing Wine: Pair the dish with the same wine used for cooking or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Watch Video

"This 5-minute asparagus recipe, where simplicity meets elegance, is a toast to nature's bounty and the delight of quick, flavorful cooking." - Rush Hour Roaster, gohealthy.today.