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Sweet Sauteed Asparagus is the best way to prepare this gorgeous springtime veggie. The low-calorie side dish is sautéed, slightly sweet, and healthy!
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This Sweet Sauteed Asparagus recipe is by far my favorite way to prepare asparagus. With only three simple ingredients, it’s so easy to make and everyone will be asking for more! I have mentioned several times throughout this site that any recipe coming from my Aunt Lana is a winner. This is one of them! I LOVE the sweetness and tenderness to this asparagus and it always turns out perfect. You don’t get your soggy, overdone asparagus doing it this way. This healthy, easy side dish complements so many meals, you can serve it over and over again. Your family will love it!
Ingredients in Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
- Asparagus – asparagus season starts in February and goes through June, so that is the best time to buy it and cook it!
- Butter
- Sugar
- Optional Toppings – lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic salt, kosher salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those mild vegetables that even the pickiest of eaters usually like. And thank goodness, because this green veggie is so good for you! While it’s low in calories, it’s a terrific source of all kinds of nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K, along with fiber and folate. It’s proven to help promote weight loss, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure. Plus it’s delicious!
Tips for Perfectly Prepared Sautéed Asparagus
- There are many ways to prepare asparagus, including oven roasting, which is so yummy! Try our Oven Roasted Asparagus recipe. You can also boil or steam it on the stove or toss larger spears on the outdoor grill.
- I love the pan sautéed asparagus method because it cooks up vibrant and green, with a hint of buttery, sweet flavor that can’t be beat!
- Make sure your asparagus stalks are cut the right way. I like to snap one of the spears where it naturally bends, then line up the rest of the bunch and chop the woody ends off near where the first one snapped. That way you have perfectly even asparagus spears, beautiful and ready to serve.
- Sautee in butter and a little bit of sugar (that’s the secret!) for about five minutes or until they’re slightly browned. You don’t want to overcook or they’ll be soggy and flimsy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary, and serve immediately.
- This is one of those dishes you want to prepare right before serving, so the veggies don’t get cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but with this recipe I find that you don’t have to. The asparagus comes out so tender and delicious.
Asparagus becomes bitter when it is overcooked. Avoid this by cooking the asparagus until it is just slightly browned.
Cut off the stalk where the color inside changes from white to green. If you bend the stalk, it should automatically break at the right spot.
Read More: 35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Surely Love
What to Serve with Asparagus
Asparagus pairs so nicely with many dishes! From steaks to pasta to seafood, it goes with just about anything. Serve this sweet sauteed asparagus with Easter dinner or any other springtime meal:
- Creamy Bowtie Asparagus Pasta
- Grilled Sirloin Steak with Tomato Basil Sauce
- Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Pesto Chicken with Bacon and Roasted Red Peppers
- Chicken Cordon Blue
- Slow Cooker Zesty Italian Dressing Chicken
How to Make Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
Video
Equipment
- Skillet
Instructions
- Rinse and snap off the bottoms of each asparagus stalk.
- Melt butter in a large skillet and add asparagus. Sprinkle sugar over top of the asparagus.
- Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or to your preferred doneness.
- Serve immediately while asparagus is bright, hot, and crisp.
Notes
- Make sure your asparagus stalks are cut the right way. I like to snap one of the spears where it naturally bends, then line up the rest of the bunch and chop the woody ends off near where the first one snapped. That way you have perfectly even asparagus spears, beautiful and ready to serve.
- Sautee in butter and a little bit of sugar (that’s the secret!) for about five minutes or until they’re slightly browned. You don’t want to overcook or they’ll be soggy and flimsy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary, and serve immediately.
- This is one of those dishes you want to prepare right before serving, so the veggies don’t get cold.
Nutrition Information
I’ve used this recipe several times and it’s always a hit. I like to add the juice from one lemon- just gives it a little somethin
That looks delicious! I always need more ideas for asparagus. If you haven t you should try roasting it, it s so yummy ?? Love the flavorings in yours though!
This is a really great way to prepare asparagus. Roasting is also delicious!
The sweetness is such an unexpected flavor for asparagus! Let me tell you, it’s amazing! Delish!
I wasn’t sure about this recipe – I love my roasted asparagus! BUT oh my gosh, I am so glad that I gave it a try! I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out SO good! I am not sure I will ever be able to eat it another way again!
I omit the sugar, start to saute mushrooms in olive oil and butter, when the mushrooms are steaming I add sliced onions, last I add the asparagus. Italian seasoning to taste.
I was honestly skeptical about this recipe because I prefer roasted, savory asparagus… But my kids HATE it that way. I have made this twice now and they both (1 and 4 years old) eat it up! My husband was also skeptical while it was cooking, but he loves it too!
Erica! I can’t believe this! I was searching for a great asparagus recipe on Pinterest, read: I have no clue how to make asparagus and I am am in charge of it for Easter dinner, and I found your picture. When I clicked on it to get more information I found out it is from YOU! I can’t believe this! Such a small world!!
You look great! I hope you are doing amazing! I will be sure to keep following you here 🙂 Thanks for the asparagus help! I am making it tonight.
Crissa Pollmann Robertson
Crissa!!!! Oh my gosh! I am emailing you right now 🙂
When I was making this my hubby kept saying, “You know most people just boil those right?” and “Have you ever done this before? Maybe you should have just steamed them.” BUT! They turned out awesome! He loved them. I even had a couple of people say, “What is one these? I love how you cooked them.” SUCCESS! Thanks for making me look like I know what I am doing 🙂
Sauteed Sweet Asparagus from Favorite Family Recipes