Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Our Lemon Thyme Buttered Asparagus is not just a recipe—it's a culinary revelation that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Combining the earthy elegance of fresh asparagus with the bright, citrusy notes of lemon and the aromatic whispers of thyme, this dish is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
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
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water, carefully removing any dirt or debris from the stalks.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by holding each spear and gently bending until it naturally breaks at its natural point of tenderness, typically about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water and prepare a separate bowl of ice water for blanching the asparagus.
- Carefully place the trimmed asparagus into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
- Using tongs, immediately transfer the asparagus from the boiling water to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and golden.
- Drain the asparagus from the ice water and pat dry with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet with melted butter, gently tossing to coat each spear evenly.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme over the asparagus, and add lemon zest, stirring to distribute the herbs and zest.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to gently toss the asparagus.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus just before serving to add a bright, citrusy finish.
- Transfer the lemon thyme buttered asparagus to a serving platter and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm stalks with tight, compact tips. The fresher the asparagus, the more vibrant the flavor.
- Blanching Technique: The ice bath is crucial! It stops the cooking process and helps maintain that gorgeous bright green color and crisp texture.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. For an extra touch, try using European-style butter with a higher fat content.
- Zesting Trick: When zesting the lemon, only remove the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Thyme Selection: Fresh thyme provides the most robust flavor. If using dried thyme, use about 1 teaspoon instead of the tablespoon of fresh.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the asparagus at its peak temperature and texture.
- Customization: Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 74kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
