Quick Lemony Asparagus
Brighten up your meal with this vibrant steamed asparagus dish! This recipe for Quick Lemony Asparagus is so ridiculously easy, you’ll be astounded how fast it is to make! The bright and lemony flavor makes it a wonderful accompaniment to almost any fish, chicken, or beef main dish. This keto friendly 5 ingredient recipe is prepared from start to finish in less than15 minutes.
This quick and easy recipe is the perfect side dish for a healthy and refreshing meal. Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your favorite go-to side dishes! To learn how to make this easy and delicious asparagus recipe, see the printable recipe card below. Take a look at the recipe video, or get Step by Step Instructions for a more detailed explanation of this recipe. For other recipe variations and to find out some of the health benefits of asparagus, visit the Pimp My Recipe section in this recipe’s Blog Comments & Tips.
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RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
QUICK LEMONY ASPARAGUS
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim asparagus to fit a 6 cup rectangular pyrex baking dish (see Note #1), making sure they are all the same length.
- Add half of the trimmed asparagus to the dish. In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt and black pepper. Then sprinkle half of the spice mixture evenly over the asparagus. Add the remaining asparagus, and evenly sprinkle remaining spice mixture over the asparagus. Add water to the dish, and place sprig of thyme on top. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.
- Optional Step - Add butter and thyme leaves to a small microwave safe bowl (see Note #2). Loosely cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds), until melted but not boiling. Uncover, and set aside.
- Place the covered dish with asparagus in the microwave, and cook on high for about 4 minutes (or until fork tender, but not limp). Immediately drain by carefully pulling back one corner of the plastic wrap near the cut stem side of the dish, and drain water (keeping the asparagus in the dish). Remove plastic wrap. Using a zester, grate lemon zest directly over the asparagus. Halve the same lemon, and squeeze the juice from half of the lemon directly over the asparagus. Gently toss to coat, keeping the asparagus lined up in one direction. Transfer to a serving platter, finish with a little more lemon zest (optional), and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
- I like to break off the “natural” end of 1 asparagus and test to see if it fits into the dish. If it’s too long, I trim it to fit the dish, and use it as a guide for cutting the remaining asparagus.
- This step is optional, as you may not want to add butter if you opt for a clean eating version of the recipe. Just skip to the next step if you are not adding the butter, and add the fresh thyme leaves directly to the steamed asparagus.
- For Partial Make Ahead Instructions, visit the Pimp My Recipe section for this recipe in my Blog Comments & Tips below on the website.
- Makes 4 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
37.99Fat (grams)
1.59 gSat. Fat (grams)
0.94 gCarbs (grams)
5.26 gFiber (grams)
2.62 gNet carbs
2.64 gSugar (grams)
2.38 gProtein (grams)
2.58 gSodium (milligrams)
75.52 mgCholesterol (grams)
3.76 mgNutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods. Although butter is an optional ingredient, it is included in the nutritional calculations. If you omit the butter, subtract 13 calories from the nutritional calculations. Also, there will be zero cholesterol without the butter.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
STEP 1
Trim 1 pound fresh asparagus to fit a 6 cup rectangular pyrex baking dish (see Note below), making sure they are all the same length.
Note: I like to break off the “natural” end of 1 asparagus and test to see if it fits into the dish. If it’s too long, I trim it to fit the dish, and use it as a guide for cutting the remaining asparagus.
STEP 2
Add half of the trimmed asparagus to the dish. In a small bowl, mix together ⅛ teaspoon Lawry’s garlic salt, and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Then sprinkle half of the spice mixture evenly over the asparagus. Add the remaining asparagus, and evenly sprinkle remaining mixture over the asparagus. Add 1 tablespoon filtered water to the dish, and place 1 sprig of fresh thyme on top. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.
STEP 3 (Optional Step)
Strip the leaves from 2-3 sprigs of thyme. Add ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and ½ tablespoon unsalted butter to a small microwave safe bowl (see Note below). Loosely cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds), until melted but not boiling. Uncover, and set aside.
Note: This step is optional, as you may not want to add butter if you opt for a clean eating version of the recipe. Just skip to the next step if you are not adding the butter, and add the fresh thyme leaves directly to the steamed asparagus.
STEP 4
Place the covered dish with asparagus in the microwave, and cook on high for about 4 minutes (or until fork tender, but not limp - see Note below). When asparagus is done, carefully pull back one corner of the plastic wrap near the cut stem side of the dish, and drain water (keeping the asparagus in the dish). Remove plastic wrap. Using a zester, grate 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon) directly over the asparagus. Halve the same lemon, and squeeze juice from half of the lemon directly over the asparagus. Pour the butter and thyme mixture over the asparagus. Gently toss to coat, keeping the asparagus lined up in one direction.
Note: Microwave cook time (4 minutes) is based on asparagus that are medium thickness. For thinner asparagus, test for doneness at about 3 minutes. For thicker asparagus, microwave about 4 ½ minutes, or until fork tender.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Transfer to a serving platter, finish with a little more lemon zest (optional), and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Notes:
For Partial Make Ahead Instructions, visit the Pimp My Recipe section in my Blog Comments & Tips below for details.
Makes 4 servings.
VIDEO
How to Make Quick Lemony Asparagus!
(VIDEO COMING SOON)
Blog Comments & Tips
A vibrant and easy side dish recipe!
Discover the ultimate quick and easy side dish recipe with my Quick Lemony Asparagus. Tender asparagus spears are infused with tangy lemon and a hint of garlic. This delightful and zesty side dish recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking to impress guests with minimal effort. This healthy and keto friendly side dish is a burst of springtime freshness on your plate!
Not only is this clean eating recipe for Quick Lemony Asparagus a delicious hit of bright flavors for your taste buds, but it's also a nutritional powerhouse. Steaming asparagus helps retain its nutritional value better than other cooking methods that may lead to nutrient loss. Asparagus also boasts an array of health benefits, including being a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Vitamins & Minerals: Asparagus is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense vegetable. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, iron, and potassium. These nutrients play crucial roles in supporting overall health, including boosting immunity, promoting healthy vision, and maintaining strong bones.
Antioxidants: Asparagus is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which help protect your cells against damage caused by harmful free radicals. These antioxidants also contribute to reducing inflammation in the body.
Fiber: The high fiber content in asparagus supports a healthy digestive system. The prebiotic fibers in asparagus create beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Folate & Potassium: Asparagus is a natural source of folate, which helps regulate homocysteine levels in the blood (elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of heart disease). And, the potassium in asparagus assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Natural Diuretic: Asparagus has natural diuretic properties that can aid in reducing water retention and bloating.
Diabetic-friendly: Asparagus has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. Because of its fiber content, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
How do you ensure the best results from this recipe?
My 3 tips to making Quick Lemony Asparagus:
Use fresh, organic produce. Because it has so few ingredients, it does make a big difference in the flavor.
Although you can pan steam the asparagus on the stovetop (details in the Pimp My Recipe section below), I find using the microwave reduces the preparation time as well as cuts down on the number of pots and pans to clean. Keep in mind that every microwave oven is different, so your cooking time may vary a bit, too.
Once the asparagus is steamed, drain, and uncover it immediately. Otherwise, letting it sit covered will continue to cook the asparagus and it will lose its vibrant color.
It’s time to customize and Pimp My Recipe.
Pimp My Recipe:
Make it Vegan & Dairy Free: Replace the dairy butter with your favorite plant-based butter, or omit the butter entirely.
Make it a Clean Eating Side Dish: Omit Step 3 (i.e., omit the butter).
Make it on the Stovetop: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket or a metal colander on top of the pot. Make sure the bottom of the basket or colander doesn't touch the water. Add the trimmed asparagus, and thyme sprig. Cover and steam for about 4 minutes (avoid overcooking). The time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. You want them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the other pan. Transfer the cooked asparagus to a sauté pan, then add the spices, butter, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Gently toss to coat the asparagus. Once coated, add lemon zest, then immediately transfer to a serving platter, and serve.
Enjoy and let me know what you think by commenting below, rating my recipes, subscribing, following, and liking Prep My Recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Happy Cooking!
Mich
Footnote: Remember to drain and uncover your asparagus as soon as it’s steamed. Otherwise, it will overcook and lose its vibrant color.
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