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Pan Fried Asparagus

Pan fried asparagus is a quick and tasty alternative to prepare asparagus without steaming or boiling. It may just become your favorite say to cook green and white asparagus!

pan fried asparagus with potatoes and pork

If you are an asparagus fan, you’re going to love this recipe for pan fried asparagus.

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It’s easy to prepare and ready in minutes, with a lot more flavor than the steamed or boiled version.

pan fried asparagus with potatoes and ham

Frying has a bad reputation for many people, but not for me. Especially when it comes to pan fried vegetables with good quality extra virgin olive oil, it’s actually good for you!

green asparagus

Did you know that on its own, asparagus is full of health benefits? However, when paired with extra virgin olive oil, with healthy fats, it can lower cholesterol and promotes a healthy heart!

pan fried white asparagus

You can also pan fry white asparagus which has an even milder and delicate flavor. It’s absolutely my favorite!

Try my German white asparagus soup recipe!

asparagus soup with bread

White asparagus adds a unique and delicious touch to any plate! Try my delicious rack of lamb recipe that can even be made in an air fryer.

pan fried white asparagus with lamb and baked potato

Just be sure to stay away from corn, seed, and vegetable oils when you sauté or deep fry foods. Those are the reason that fried food is unhealthy. (Spot the pretty pink sauce below? It’s a delightful rhubarb applesauce!)

pork chops, fried asparagus, roasted potatoes and rhubarb apple sauce
In case you’re wondering, that’s rhubarb apple sauce next to the pork–delicious!

And speaking of which, there’s another myth that olive oil isn’t good for frying or deep frying (like these pizza donuts), it’s completely untrue. If you don’t believe me, do your own research on a trustworthy site.

pan fried asparagus with potatoes and pork

How to Pan Fry Asparagus

Fried asparagus couldn’t be easier! You just need a frying or sauté pan with a lid, asparagus and good quality olive oil. Follow the step by step directions below for perfect results every time.

pan fried asparagus in foreground on plate

Pan Fried Asparagus
(Fried Asparagus)

recipe by Lidia Conte                     serves 4

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

  • asparagus (green or white)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt

Equipment: 11″ frying pan or even a 10″ sauté pan with lid (any pan which will accommodate the length of the spears.)

Directions for Pan Fried Asparagus

Wash the asparagus well.

bending an asparagus spear

If using green asparagus, starting at the lowest part of the stem, start bending until it snaps.

snapping an asparagus spear

This will remove the hard, inedible part of the asparagus.

peeling asparagus

If using white. trim the end and peel the entire stem, excluding the tip using a vegetable peeler.

pouring oil into a pan

Pour the olive oil into the frying pan. Put the burner on to medium high, and wait for the oil to heat up before adding the vegetables.

adding vegetables to the pan

Add all of the asparagus to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes.

asparagus in a pan

Cover with a lid and set a timer for 8 minutes if you have thin spears like these (thicker spears will need more time to cook, and vice versa.)

putting a lid on the pan

Allow to cook, occasionally opening the lid to turn the asparagus spears.

asparagus cooking in a pan

Sprinkle with sea salt a minute or so before the pan fried asparagus is ready, and turn the spears to make sure they are salted evenly. At the 8 minute mark (or sooner with very tender asparagus) check the thickest part of the stem to make sure it’s cooked to your desired tenderness, and be sure not to over cook them.

adding salt to the spears

Remove the pan from the heat, and serve the fried asparagus right away if possible.

pan fried asparagus

Place the pan fried asparagus onto a plate alongside your main course.

putting asparagus on a plate

Pan fried pork is a lovely pairing with pan fried asparagus, as well as pork schnitzel.

asparagus on plate with pork

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fried asparagus

An asparagus fry pan side dish is always a winner!

pan fried asparagus with potatoes and pork

Pan Fried Asparagus

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Easy, pan fried asparagus spears make a delicious side dish for many meat dishes.
5 from 12 votes

Special Equipment

  • 1 11" frying pan or 11" sauté pan

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 lb asparagus green or white
  • tsp sea salt more or less to taste

Instructions

  • Wash the asparagus well. If using green asparagus, starting at the lowest part of the stem, start bending until it snaps. This will remove the hard, inedible part of the asparagus. If using white. trim the end and shave the entire stem, excluding the tip
  • Pour the olive oil into the frying pan. Put the burner on to medium high, and wait for the oil to heat up before adding the vegetables.
  • Add all of the asparagus to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes. Cover with a lid and set a timer for 8 minutes (if you have thin spears like these--thicker spears will need more time to cook, and vice versa.)
  • Allow to cook, occasionally opening the lid to turn the asparagus spears. 
  • Sprinkle with sea salt a minute or so before the asparagus is ready, and turn the spears to make sure they are salted evenly.  
  • At the 8 minute mark (or sooner with very tender asparagus) check the thickest part of the stem to make sure it's cooked to your desired tenderness, and be sure not to over cook them.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, and serve immediately, if possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 857IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

5 from 12 votes

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34 Comments

  1. Moka coffee set. We love roasting vegetables but this is the way I “roast” asparagus. Quick and very tasty!

  2. Sautéed asparagus is one of my favorite side dishes. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare but is also tasty and healthy. I even sauté a little garlic in the olive oil first before adding the asparagus and toss them around in the olive oil and garlic aroma. Molto Bene!

  3. This is definitely a recipe that I will try. I had no idea that there was a “trick” to finding the tender spot of asparagus. Anything pan fried definitely makes the food better! I’d love to have the Moka Coffee Set.

  4. I just love asparagus season! This recipe is so simple and delicious. Anybody can prepare this with ease.. Thank you for sharing! Oh and the Moka Coffee Set!!! Beautiful ♥️

  5. This is my new asparagus recipe! Made them last night and they were so delicious! My husband loved them! Thanks for sharing!
    Moka Coffee Set

  6. I’ love the asparagus recipe sea salt and olive oil makes such a difference. I was boiling them prior. No more. Will be pan frying from now on.

    “Moka coffee set