Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Tender steamed asparagus spears tossed in a simple, bright lemon-butter sauce. A classic and elegant side dish that comes together in minutes, perfect for pairing with fish or chicken.
For 4 servings
Prepare the asparagus.
Wash the asparagus spears under cold water. Hold a spear and bend it until it naturally snaps. Use this as a guide to trim the tough, woody ends off the rest of the bunch.
TIPSnapping one spear is the easiest way to find the natural point where the tender part begins.Steam the asparagus until tender.
- Place a steamer basket in a large pot with about an inch of water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Arrange the asparagus in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and reduce heat to medium.
- Steam for 5-8 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender when pierced with a fork.
TIPCooking time varies with the thickness of the spears. Check thinner spears around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.Make the lemon butter sauce.
While the asparagus is steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Toss and serve.
Carefully transfer the hot steamed asparagus to a serving platter. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.
TIPFor a nice presentation, arrange the spears neatly on the platter before drizzling the sauce.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh, firm asparagus spears with tightly closed tips.
- 2If you don't have a steamer basket, you can place the asparagus in a large skillet with a half-inch of water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- 3Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
- 4Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's great chopped up in salads or omelets.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Reduce the butter to 1.5 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a brighter flavor without the extra fat.
veganVegan
Substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality olive oil or your favorite vegan butter alternative.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. The salty, cheesy flavor is a hit with kids.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, as well as Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in asparagus supports digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
Asparagus contains several antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, steamed asparagus is very healthy. It's low in calories and a great source of essential nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps retain these nutrients.