Cast Iron Pan-Fried Asparagus Recipe

If we are rating vegetables on their appearance, asparagus would likely take the award for best looking, due to its pretty green stalks and delicate, petal-like tips. Asparagus is a springtime vegetable, but luckily, it is available year-round because there are so many ways to use this versatile vegetable. This recipe for cast iron, pan-fried asparagus is brought to us by wellness coach Miriam Hahn who says, "This is my favorite way to make asparagus. The combination of the lemon and garlic with the tender asparagus is mouth-watering, and everyone who tries it, loves it." 

Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest right? Asparagus has lots of health benefits — it's known as the king of vegetables because it is full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. "I find that most people like it, even the most adamant veggie haters," Hahn goes on to say. This asparagus makes a great side with a variety of dishes, like chicken, salmon, spaghetti, and if you have leftovers, it tastes wonderful in an omelet. Read on to learn how to make this delicious asparagus recipe.

First and foremost, we're going to need some asparagus. Hahn says to pick asparagus bunches that have thick stalks with tightly-closed tips. When you get home, add the bunch to a jar of water, and store on the counter or in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. We will also need some fresh garlic, and a juicy lemon. Then, you will need some basics like avocado oil, salt, and pepper. If you want to get fancy when serving, make sure to have some optional lemon slices and flaky salt available for garnishing.

Once you have washed the asparagus, trim off the bottom 3 or 4 inches of each stalk that are white or lighter in color. These are the woody stems that are too tough to eat. We'll also need to mince the garlic, as well as zest and juice the lemon, which is easier to do before you cut it.

For this step, add 1 tablespoon of the oil into a cast iron skillet. Bring the heat to high, and wait a good 3 minutes for it to get hot before adding the asparagus. You know it's hot when you hear the asparagus sizzle in the skillet. Add the salt and pepper, and using a spatula, stir them lightly so they rotate on all sides, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium, and move the asparagus off to the sides of the pan. Add the remaining oil, and garlic to the center of the cast iron pan. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, so the garlic doesn't burn. Then, add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine everything, and simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes with the lid on. Then, your delicious asparagus is ready to serve! Garnish optionally with flaky salt and sliced lemons.