Pan-Fried Green Asparagus with Onion

Pan-fried green asparagus is a delicious spring side dish, perfect for enhancing their delicate and natural flavor. They cook quickly in a pan, and if gratinated, they maintain a crunchy texture. Ideal for seasoning pasta, preparing risotto, or accompanying any main course.

HARVEST period for #greenasparagus – from mid-March to June.

RECIPES with green asparagus

simple pan-fried green asparagus
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Medium
  • Preparation time: 15 Minutes
  • Portions: 4 People
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Healthy
  • Seasonality: Spring
43.80 Kcal
calories per serving
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  • Energy 43.80 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 6.95 (g) of which sugars 3.30 (g)
  • Proteins 2.89 (g)
  • Fat 1.33 (g) of which saturated 0.22 (g)of which unsaturated 0.07 (g)
  • Fibers 2.92 (g)
  • Sodium 100.58 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 135 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Pan-Fried Green Asparagus

  • 1.1 lbs asparagus
  • Half onion (can be omitted)
  • 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste water
  • to taste salt (and preferred aromatic herbs)

What herbs and/or spices can be used to flavor pan-fried asparagus?
Basil, cumin, turmeric, chives, mint, nutmeg, paprika, oregano, chili pepper, parsley, thyme.

Tools

  • Pan wok type
  • Ladle wooden

Pan-Fried Green Asparagus

  • Green (or purple) asparagus have a tough and fibrous base, so it’s important to remove it for perfect texture. A simple trick is to bend the stalk: it will break at the right spot. Alternatively, you can cut off the base by 2-3 cm with a knife. If the asparagus is particularly thick, it might be useful to slightly peel the lower part with a peeler to remove the tougher layer.


  • Wash the onion (or spring onion) and slice it thinly, then sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a bit of water. Cook until it becomes soft and translucent.

    sautéing onion in a pan
  • Meanwhile, wash and cut the asparagus into pieces, keeping the tips aside. Add the pieces to the dry sauté, salt, and pan-fry the asparagus until you reach the desired level of doneness.

    green asparagus in a pan with onion
  • Finally, add the asparagus tips, set aside, and cook for a few minutes.

    adding asparagus tips

STORING pan-fried green asparagus

To store them, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep for a couple of days and can be briefly reheated in a pan or enjoyed at room temperature.

In the freezer, they keep for up to three months and can be reheated directly in a pan.

FAQ

  • Can I prepare them in advance?

    Yes, but it’s best to consume them immediately to maintain their crispness.

  • What seasonings enhance the flavor of asparagus?

    A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and a splash of lemon are perfect. You can also add garlic, chili pepper, or grated Parmesan (nutritional yeast flakes for vegans) for an extra touch.

  • How to choose the best green asparagus?

    For a tasty dish, it’s important to choose fresh asparagus: they should have a deep green color, compact tips, and a firm but not woody stalk.

  • What to pair them with?

    Pan-fried asparagus is perfect with eggs, fresh cheeses, rice, pasta, or as a side dish for tofu or legume-based dishes.

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Sara Grissino

Simple and seasonal Italian recipes, often vegan or vegetarian, with fresh and sustainable ingredients for healthy and delicious cooking.

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