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Asparagus is a vibrant and nutritious vegetable that deserves a spotlight in your kitchen, especially when prepared with the delightful flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter. The Zesty Garlic Lemon Butter Asparagus recipe is a simple yet exquisite dish that showcases the natural beauty of this green vegetable. It’s perfect as a side dish for any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. This recipe embodies freshness, flavor, and a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.

Garlic Lemon Butter Asparagus

Discover the vibrant and nutritious Zesty Garlic Lemon Butter Asparagus recipe that highlights the natural beauty of asparagus. This simple yet exquisite dish combines fresh asparagus with savory garlic, zesty lemon, and rich butter, making it a perfect side for any meal. Packed with vitamins and flavor, it’s a health-conscious choice that’s easy to prepare. Elevate your culinary repertoire and impress guests with this delectable seasonal dish. Enjoy the burst of freshness in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by rinsing the asparagus thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tough, woody ends by snapping them off or cutting about an inch from the bottom. After trimming, pat the asparagus dry with a clean paper towel.

    Heat the Pan: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts and starts to bubble gently, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without letting it turn brown.

      Cook the Asparagus: Carefully add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the garlic-infused butter. Sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp, maintaining a slight bite.

        Add Zest and Lemon Juice: Once the asparagus reaches your desired level of tenderness, reduce the heat to low. Incorporate the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for an added kick. Gently toss the asparagus to coat them evenly with the zesty mixture. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes until thoroughly heated.

          Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the asparagus to a serving dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, encouraging guests to squeeze more lemon juice over the asparagus for an even zestier experience.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the asparagus in a neat row on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for a vibrant finish.