Mar 30, 2007

Skillet Asparagus

Credit: Christopher Hirsheimer

SERVES 4 – 6

Southern chef extraordinaire Edna Lewis taught us this recipe, which she learned from her mother. Cooking asparagus in the skillet concentrates its flavor rather than diluting it, as steaming or boiling can.

2 lbs. asparagus
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Rinse asparagus in cold water and trim off tough ends of stalks. Put butter in a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid and heat until butter is foaming. Lay asparagus in the pan and shake from side to side to coat asparagus gently with melted butter; cover tightly and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Check asparagus and turn as needed to make sure the stalks cook evenly and don't burn.

2. Continue cooking 5 minutes longer, or until asparagus is tender but still crisp and bright green. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #66

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Ratings & Reviews (8)

by rbrblb on 2008-02-13

this is not only an excellent way to prepare asparagus but also a good substitute for roasting asparagus when your oven is occupied with the main course.

by Yolande Welch on 2008-02-14

this is how i have been preparing fresh asparagus for over a quarter century. it is not only easy, but delicious.

by Cecile on 2009-02-26

I agree with rbrblb that this is a good method when the oven is occupied. Preparing the asparagus in this manner produces the same rich flavor as oven-roasting

by Cecile on 2009-02-26

I agree with rbrblb that this is a good way to cook asparagus when the oven is occupied. It yields the same rich asparagus flavor as oven-roasting and the butter adds another dimension.

by dmangia on 2011-03-21

It's so easy and simply delish.

by SALLYFCUTTER on 2011-03-23

I use a microwave box with a basket inside. Just wash the Asparagus, put in basket, sprinkle with Redmond Salt, put on lid and set for 3 minutes on high. Always comes out bright green, crisp and sweet without the use of butter.

by harue on 2011-04-13

so easy and good!

by JOCULL on 2012-04-30

This is correct, but you must brown butter & then add plain bread crumbs & cook till perfect! (add s & p) Spread on top of asparagus, serve & enjoy compliments!
An old Polish recipe!

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