Prepare to transform the humble asparagus into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This quick and vibrant Skillet Asparagus with Lime Butter recipe is a game-changer, turning simple green spears into a mouthwatering culinary experience that takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. With the perfect balance of charred edges, bright citrus notes, and rich buttery goodness, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water, carefully removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by holding each spear and gently bending it until it naturally breaks at the point where the tender part meets the tough stem. Discard the tough ends.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and start to foam slightly.
- Carefully add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring each spear has contact with the pan surface.
- Cook the asparagus, occasionally turning or rolling the spears, for approximately 5-7 minutes until they become bright green and develop slight char marks, indicating they are tender-crisp.
- Zest the entire lime directly over the cooking asparagus, releasing the aromatic oils.
- Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the asparagus, allowing the citrus to sizzle and caramelize slightly in the hot butter.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Remove from heat and transfer the skillet asparagus to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining lime butter over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional lime zest if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thinner spears tend to be more tender and cook faster.
- Proper Trimming Technique: Always snap or cut off the woody ends. The natural breaking point ensures you're only cooking the most tender part of the asparagus.
- High Heat is Key: Use a medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful char marks while maintaining a crisp-tender texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook asparagus in a single layer to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
- Watch Your Butter: Let it foam slightly before adding asparagus, but be careful not to burn it. The butter should be a golden color.
- Zesting Trick: Zest the lime directly over the cooking asparagus to release maximum flavor and aromatic oils.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor. The residual heat will continue to develop the lime and butter flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 93kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
