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Sweet Sautéed Asparagus is the perfect quick & healthy side dish! With just 3 ingredients, it’s tender, slightly sweet, and pairs with any meal. Try it today!
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Easy, Delicious and Foolproof!
If you’re looking for the absolute best way to prepare asparagus, this Sweet Sautéed Asparagus recipe is a total game-changer! It’s quick, easy, and brings out the natural sweetness of this gorgeous green veggie. With just three simple ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that’s so good, even picky eaters will love it.
I have to give credit where it’s due—this recipe comes straight from my Aunt Lana, and let me tell you, every dish she makes is a winner. The asparagus turns out perfectly tender, never mushy, and has just the right touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, seafood, and even works alongside rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Ingredients in Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
You don’t need much to make this delicious side dish, and that’s the beauty of it!
- Fresh Asparagus – Asparagus season runs from February through June, so that’s the best time to grab it fresh. Look for bright green spears with firm, closed tips.
- Butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.
- Sugar – This is the secret ingredient that brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus and gives it a beautiful caramelized finish.
Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor
Want to switch things up? Try adding:
- Fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice
- Garlic salt or garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Pine nuts for crunch
- Black pepper, kosher salt, or Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley, chives, or other fresh herbs
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Not only is asparagus absolutely delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. This vibrant green veggie is low in calories and loaded with vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a great source of fiber, folate, and antioxidants, making it excellent for digestion, heart health, and even weight management.
How to Make the Best Sautéed Asparagus
There are lots of ways to cook asparagus—roasting, steaming, or even grilling—but sautéing is my favorite because it keeps the spears bright green, tender, and full of flavor.
- Trim the Asparagus – Snap off one spear where it naturally bends, then use it as a guide to trim the rest. This removes the tough, woody ends.
- Heat the Butter – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil if using).
- Add Asparagus & Sugar – Toss in the asparagus and sprinkle with sugar. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spears are slightly browned and tender.
- Season & Serve – Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately while they’re warm and crisp! This is one of those dishes you want to prepare right before serving, so the veggies don’t get cold. If you do need to reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
✨ Pro Tip: Don’t overcook! Asparagus should be slightly firm with a light crunch, not mushy.
Questions About Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
Asparagus can turn bitter when overcooked. To avoid this, sauté just until tender and lightly 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.
Fresh asparagus has a natural sweetness, but adding a little butter and sugar enhances it beautifully. Wild asparagus is often sweeter than store-bought!
Read More: 35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Surely Love
More Asparagus Recipes
Love asparagus? Try these other delicious recipes:
Air Fryer Asparagus
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Creamy Bowtie Asparagus Pasta
Fancy Filet Mignon
How to Sauté Asparagus
Sweet Sautéed Asparagus
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
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.
Video
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
Delicious. We only used 1 tsp of sugar, but it was still super yum. Steve said it was his favorite thing we made today. Thanks!
Have you tried using different types of sugar? Thanks
We haven’t! What kind of sugar are you wanting to use?
Thank you! My kids have always hated asparagus until now. Although they still don’t love asparagus, they didn’t mind this recipe. I was hesitant to add all the sugar but I’m glad I didn’t skimp. This recipe is a keeper!
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